Every London Overground line to be uniquely renamed ‘to make it less confusing’

The London Overground lines are going to be given unique names to make the network easier to navigate.

Six routes will be retitled in line with the Tube lines, and each will reflect the diverse history and communities they run through.

Transport for London (TfL) is working with the Commission for Diversity in the Public Realm, as well as local groups and transport historians to establish broad themes for each line before being put to passengers.

The revamp was promised by the Mayor of London Sadiq Khan in his 2021 re-election manifesto, who has said he wanted the lines to reflect the capital’s diversity.

‘There are so many Londoners, historic location and forgotten stories from our city that need re-telling,’ Mr Khan said.

‘Naming the lines will not only help educate visitors about our amazing city and incredible history but will also make it easier for people who live, work or visit London to more easily navigate the city.’

Posters have been put up across Overground stations inviting members of the public to engage with the project, which is expected to cost £6.3m over the next two years.

Deputy Mayor for Transport Seb Dance says the move will help clear up the ‘confusing’ network map and provide more focused information about disruptions.

‘When you look at the map…it can be a little bit confusing, so we would just want to make it more accessible for people who find the network challenging,’ he said.

‘Particularly on the very rare occasions when there is disruption on the network, it is extremely important that passengers get a much more focused set of information on where the issue is – so it will definitely help on that.’

A full Equality Impact Assessment will be carried out to gauge any issues that the new names may bring, and design options will be tested to ensure the network is actually easier to navigate, TfL has said.

Trains, services and stations will not be impacted throughout the project, and customers will still be able to make the same journeys.

The Overground networks spans six routes including:

• Stratford to Richmond/Clapham Junction     
• Euston to Watford Junction     
• Gospel Oak to Barking Riverside    
• Liverpool Street to Cheshunt/Enfield Town/Chingford    
• Highbury & Islington to New Cross/Crystal Palace/West Croydon/Clapham Junction     
• Romford to Upminster

Meanwhile on the roads, the controversial Ulez scheme is finally set to be rolled out in London in the coming days.

Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@metro.co.uk.

For more stories like this, check our news page.