A TfL takeover of train services in outer London has moved a step closer, with the Mayor submitting plans to the government.

Sadiq Khan said the capital's commuters have been coping with a bad service for too long and giving over control to Transport for London would help end the "nightmare" of delays and overcrowding.

City Hall’s business case for devolving suburban rail services to TfL says it would help create thousands of new houses and jobs while remaining cost-neutral to the government.

Rail infrastructure in south London has been under-utilised, with poor service and increasingly overcrowded services, Mr Khan said.

TfL could use its experience of running the Tube and London Overground to "substantially" improve travel for millions of rail passengers, it was predicted.

Ministers were told TfL would increase services, apply any fares freeze to devolved routes, refurbish stations, install more ticket gates and staff stations all day.

Surrey Comet:

Here's what it would look like if TfL took over the suburban rail network

The Mayor said: "For too long, London's rail commuters have been getting a bad service, with nightmare delays, cancellations and overcrowding increasingly the norm on our suburban rail routes.

"Our plans will not only use TfL's skills and expertise to improve the daily commute for millions of Londoners, but act as a catalyst for new jobs and homes in outer London.

"Devolution, along with greater collaboration with our public and private sector partners and local communities, will help us deliver a properly integrated transport network across London.

"Rail passengers will finally get the same standard of service and reliability they get on the Tube. We've set out our compelling case to the government - there really is now no excuse for not pressing ahead with changes that will substantially improve the lives of Londoners."

MORE: How south London stations could become part of Overground if train services taken over by Transport for London

Mike Brown, London's transport commissioner, said: "We have worked hard to deliver better services for our customers on the rail services we control, delivering major improvements and greater reliability. We have taken neglected parts of the transport network and transformed them to support new homes, jobs and economic growth across the capital.

"London Overground has become one of the most popular and punctual railways anywhere in the country. We want to bring this level of service to the wider London rail network - with seamless interchanges, a single fares structure and more frequent, reliable trains."

The Campaign for Better Transport has backed the plans, citing the “success story” of London Overground.

Lianna Etkind, public transport campaigner for the organisation, said: “We know passengers want frequent, reliable services; fairer, simpler fares: and modern, fully staffed stations. Since Transport for London took over London Overground services passenger satisfaction has increased and delays have been reduced by almost a third.

“London Overground is a success story we want to see replicated across the capital to ensure the city’s transport links can cope with its growing population and deliver economic benefits to more Londoners.

"The government should accept TfL's offer and start the process next month to transfer south-east London services to London Overground and a decision is needed soon on the future South Eastern franchise."