Request ID: FOI-4158-2324 Date published: 13 March 2024
You asked
Please can you provide a list of all names considered or proposed for the renaming of the London Overground lines (in addition to the six announced by the Mayor on February 15, 2024). If possible (ie if this does not breach the cost limit) can you also provide any explanation of why names were rejected?
Also, please provide the names of the people involved in making the decision on which names to select/dismiss.
We answered
Our Ref: FOI-4158 -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 in accordance with the requirements of the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act and our information access policy. I can confirm that we do hold the information you require.
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:
Please can you provide a list of all names considered or proposed for the renaming of the London Overground lines (in addition to the six announced by the Mayor on February 15, 2024). If possible (ie if this does not breach the cost limit) can you also provide any explanation of why names were rejected?
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 in the autumn.
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.
Also, please provide the names of the people involved in making the decision on which names to select/dismiss.
TfL’s Commissioner, Andy Lord, was the ultimate decision maker on the final names. The names were discussed in a series of delivery group and steering group meetings.
The final names were endorsed by TfL’s Executive Committee followed by engagement with the Deputy Mayors and Mayor to update them on the process.
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
