Request ID: FOI-4124-2324 Date published: 13 March 2024
You asked
The full long list and short list of suggested and considered names for the London Overground renaming referenced in this news article here:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-68296483
If possible, please also indicate the total estimated (or precise if held) costs to TfL of renaming the lines.
We answered
Our Ref: FOI-4124 -2324
Thank you for your request received on 15 February 2024 asking for information about the renaming of the London Overground line.
Your request has been considered under the requirements of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 and our information access policy.
When naming the London Overground lines, the aim was to develop the names in a collaborative and inclusive way, and use this as an opportunity to celebrate London, its diversity and culture, ensuring that more Londoners feel connected to the transport network they use every day. Therefore, it was integral that we engaged with communities as part of this project, as opposed to naming the lines internally.
Stakeholders, customers, historians, industry experts and communities played a key role in informing the new names through independent engagement which took place ahead of the decision on the final six names. This was key as London’s diverse history and culture has always played a significant role in shaping the city, and we wanted the names to reflect London's diverse culture and communities.
Making the network easier to navigate and more inclusive is a priority for both us and the Mayor. Naming the six routes of the London Overground aims to give customers, especially those unfamiliar with the network, more confidence to travel around London. Removing this barrier to travel could see more people choosing to travel sustainably, which would benefit the whole city.
We will be running an extensive campaign over the summer to help customers get familiar with the names. We have also enhanced our signage & wayfinding standards, so that signs include the line names and colour along with the Overground roundel
More information about the renaming can be found on our website:
The full long list and short list of suggested and considered names for the London Overground renaming referenced in this news article here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-68296483
In accordance with the FOI Act, we are not obliged to supply the requested information as it is subject to a statutory exemption to the right of access to information under section 22 of the Act. In this instance the exemption has been applied as the information you have requested is intended for future publication.
This exemption is subject to a public interest test, which requires us to assess whether the public interest in applying the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosure. In this instance, it is considered that the public interest favours the publication of this information, in context and according to the pre-determined schedule, rather than in response to your request, to ensure the information is provided accurately and in an accessible manner.
If possible, please also indicate the total estimated (or precise if held) costs to TfL of renaming the lines.
This change was needed because the evidence we have is that the current approach is confusing for customers, especially those visiting or using the network less regularly.
The project has an estimated cost of £6.3m; the budget has been provided by the GLA. The budget is for the entirety of the project and has been split over financial year 23/24 and 24/25. The majority of the budget allocated for the London Overground naming will be used to update customer information. This includes updates to all digital information, TfL Go, Journey Planner, Station digital screens, around 6,000 station wayfinding signs, in train maps and information and all Tube maps.
Any future maintenance/replacement of the signs will be included as part of the regular maintenance carried out on our entire network.
If this is not the information you are looking for please do not hesitate to contact me.
Please see the attached information sheet for details of your right to appeal.
Yours sincerely
Gemma Jacob Senior FOI Case Officer FOI Case Management Team General Counsel Transport for London
