Absolutely. Finally into the hands of an operator that actually gives a damn.
The possible transfer of the remaining GN services to KX over to the new LNER operator (and thus the future franchisee) is interesting -like others have said, it would provide some financial stability for that franchise.
Give a damn?
The GN inners are nothing like the old Silverlink Metro.
Since the 1990s frequency has increased to 3tph off peak, many more at peak times, with longer trains during the day. The 313s were refurbished with new seats, and three extra trains were aquired. Peak times have seen the inner suburban service augmented by 317, 321, 365, 387 and now 700 services to Welwyn, many 8 cars. Most stations have been refurbished with CCTV and extra waiting areas, and are maintained in a reasonable state, with some having longer staffing since the TSGN franchise. Moorgate now has an all-week service and in to the evening too. Now new trains are due to arrive within the next few months. Seems like a pretty good deal to me.
What would TFL provide? Orange paint splashed everywhere, and pointless useless waste-of-money staff standing aground getting in the way? I suppose the Northern City Line stations would get refurbished- so people get to spend their few minutes waiting in a bright environment. They may look a little dilapidated but they’re perfectly fit for purpose IMO.
The big constraint is the 6-car platform lengths and the turnaround capability at Moorgate. Let’s see what TFL could do about that, maybe they’ll surprise us with something? I won’t hold my breath on that though!