A raft of improvements on the London Overground are in store for passengers as a new operator steps in to run the service from late next year.

There are currently four bidders shortlisted to become the new provider, when the current contract with LOROL expires in November 2016.

Frequency on the North London line will increase by 25 per cent, from eight to ten trains an hour, while additional walk-through air-conditioned trains, more regular services and modernised stations will be part of the deal for the new provider.

The contenders for the seven and a half year contract are Arrival Rail London Limited, LoKeGo Limited, Metroline Rail Limited and MTR Corporation.

As London readies itself for the new all-night Underground from this September, the Overground will also have the option of introducing an all-night service at weekends from 2017.

“London Overground customers have experienced major improvements over recent years,” said Mike Brown MVO, managing director of London Rail.

“We have taken neglected and often unstaffed stations and transformed them into modern and useful parts of the transport system, evidenced by a five fold increase in passenger numbers.”

A new fleet of trains will also come into service from 2018, when a contract with Bombardier will see 45 new trains.

The new trains will operate on the Liverpool Street to Enfield Town, Cheshunt (via Seven Sisters) and Chingford routes, which became part of the TfL network in May, as well as on the routes between Barking and Gospel Oak – which includes Forest Gate – and between Romford and Upminster. For more information go to tfl.gov.uk