Transport for London has quashed the idea that Surbiton will lose fast trains if it takes over and converts South West Trains suburban lines to the London Overground.

TfL announced on Thursday it would take on all of London's suburban rail network alongside the Department for Transport, beginning in 2018.

Transport for London announce takeover of London's suburban rail services

Commuters who use Surbiton specifically for fast trains into London Waterloo feared this would mean the quick services disappear.

Passenger Rob Pattenden tweeted: "It'll be the end of fast trains from Surbiton and won't solve infrastructure issues, increase services or lower prices."

But TfL said there will be no impact on the fast services coming into central London, which come from stations such as Portsmouth and stop at Surbiton.

A spokesman said: "[The partnership will ensure there are] no adverse impacts on the frequency, journey times or stopping patterns of longer distance services to and from London."

South West Trains declined to comment, but said the Department for Transport "will set the specification for which services will be transferred to TfL".

South West Trains' franchise is under negotiation - with TfL currently running a consultation with commuters about their experiences of the service - but reports suggested a break clause is likely to be included in any new contract that would allow City Hall to take over in 2019.

Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin said: “This new partnership represents a huge opportunity to transform travel by putting passengers where they should be – at the heart of the rail network."

At the start of December concerns were raised over the possibility of losing the fast trains through Crossrail2.

Waiting game? Fears over Crossrail 2 plans for fast trains at Surbiton

A Crossrail 2 spokesman told worried Kingston Council Liberal Democrats on Twitter fast services through Surbiton would be protected, but admitted they could not “make guarantees for 15 years’ time”.