The Railway Metropolis describes the fascinating story of how planners, politicians and developers have shaped London’s railways. Focusing on the new lines that have been added since 1980, the author considers the reasons why they were built, whether they have proved worthwhile and what lessons can be learned. Based upon extensive research, the book explains the planning, technology choice, design and funding decisions that have shaped London’s rail network, and the changing operating practices, fares and management that have been equally critical to the modernisation of London’s transport system.

The book covers the period from the election of a Conservative government in 1979 through to the present day and six lines that transformed London: Docklands Light Railway, Jubilee Line Extension, High Speed One, Overground, Thameslink and Crossrail. The author has drawn upon extensive industry experience as well as public and private documents, archives, recollections and interviews with more than 50 people who influenced the rebirth of London’s railways to arrive at an authoritative analysis.

The Railway Metropolis is an essential read for all those involved in the industry, including engineers, architects, city planners, railway operators and politicians, and it will also appeal to those with a general interest in the history and development of London’s rail network. Written in an accessible and engaging style, and fully illustrated throughout, the book presents a valuable perspective on why things were done the way they were, the results and whether we can learn how to do them better.

Catherine McGlynn is a Senior Lecturer in Politics at the University of Huddersfield, UK. Her research focuses on Northern Ireland with respect to conflict resolution and party politics. Her last book was Abandoning Historical Conflict? Former Paramilitary Prisoners and Political Reconciliation in Northern Ireland from Manchester University Press (co-authored with Peter Shirlow, Jonathan Tonge and James W. McAuley) which was the Political Studies Association of Ireland Book of the year in 2011.