What will be the names of the London Overground Lines that the Mayor pledged (and when will that come into effect)?
Request ID: FOI-1569-2223 Date published: 18 October 2022
You asked
Hi TfL, I hope this email finds you well and good!
As you are likely aware, our lovely Mayor of London Sadiq Khan had been re-elected as the Mayor of London for the 2nd term in 2021! Back over an year ago in April 2021 just before the elections took place, Sadiq Khan's manifesto highlighted that if he gets into power again (which he did!), he will give Names & identities to the different London Overground Lines (possibly even colours!). His manifesto mentions "TfL’s London Overground network has grown considerably over recent years, and to reflect this I’ll launch a programme to name individual routes, giving each its own identity."
This is no surprise considering that it now has grown to 113 stations on several lines that are all coloured Orange and can easily cause confusions when travelling. Here a link to his election manifesto detailing his plans: https://sadiq.london/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Sadiq-for-London-Manifesto-.pdf
There are currently 6 'Lines/ Routes' of the London Overground:
• East-South London (Highbury & Islington - New Cross/ Crystal Palace/ West Croydon/ Clapham Junction/ Battersea Park)
• North-West London (Richmond/ Clapham Junction - Stratford)
• Watford DC (Euston - Watford)
• GOBLIN (Gospel Oak - Barking Riverside)
• Lea-Valley (Liverpool Street - Cheshunt/ Chingford/ Enfield Town)
• Emerson Park Branchline (Romford - Upminster)
So hence, as Sadiq Khan has successfully been re-elected as Mayor of London, may I know what names have TfL & London Overground come up with in regards to renaming the 6 lines currently part of the London Overground network - now that it has been well over an year since he was re-elected into office?
We answered
TfL Ref: FOI-1569-2223
Thank you for your request received by Transport for London (TfL) on 3 October 2022, asking about the London Overground Line naming project.
Your request has been considered in accordance with the requirements of the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act and our information access policy. The London Overground Line naming project is a Mayoral commitment which aims to give each individual London Overground route its own name and identity. We have begun to explore this programme and will work collaboratively with City Hall. Work on this project is in the first stages of development which includes determining the budget required and potential timescales for delivery. As you will know, we have been under unprecedented funding pressure since the start of the pandemic and there have been delays in our ability to commit budget to new projects. Therefore, unfortunately we do not hold the information you have requested.
Please see the attached information sheet for details of your right to appeal.
Yours sincerely Eva Hextall FOI Case Management Team General Counsel Transport for London
