Transport for London (TfL) has announced that it is renaming its six overground lines in recognition of momentous British events and groups in the country’s recent history.
Each route will be represented by a new line name and colour on the tube map, on train line diagrams, at stations and on digital journey planning tools, such as TfL Go.
The Overground’s orange roundel will remain in use across London Overground network.
The new lines will be named as follows:
- The Lioness line: Euston to Watford Junction – Yellow parallel lines on the map. Named in honour of the achievements of England women’s football team.
- The Mildmay line: Stratford to Richmond/Clapham Junction – Blue parallel lines on the map. Honours the small charitable hospital in Shoreditch that has cared for Londoners over many years, notably its role in the HIV/AIDS crisis in the 1980s.
- The Windrush line: Highbury & Islington to Clapham Junction/New Cross/Crystal Palace/West Croydon – Red parallel lines on the map. Honours the Windrush generation, the cultural forbearers of Britain’s Black Caribbean community.
- The Weaver line: Liverpool Street to Cheshunt/Enfield Town/Chingford – Maroon parallel lines on the map. The line represents areas of London known for their textile trade.
- The Suffragette line: Gospel Oak to Barking Riverside – Green parallel lines on the map. The Suffragette line celebrates those who fought for votes for woman and paved the way for women’s rights.
- The Liberty line: Romford to Upminster – Grey parallel lines on the map. The line celebrates London’s freedom and references the historical independence of Havering.
According to TfL research, some customers found the previous naming system, which termed the lines by their destinations confusing.
Those surveyed said they would find it easier to navigate if the system wasn’t one single colour and name.
London’s transport commissioner, Andy Lord, said: “The London Overground is one of the most successful railways in the country and has grown to carry more than three million customers a week.
“The network, which has grown quite considerably since 2007, is currently shown as a complicated network of orange on route maps.
“This can be confusing for customers less familiar with the network and could be a barrier for some wanting to use the London Overground.
“These new names and line colours will simplify the maps and routes for our customers, and it is hoped it will encourage more people to make the most of our services.
“It is also a great way to tell the stories of some important parts of London’s cultural diversity.”
TfL expects the changes to be made by the end of 2024 pending estimations regarding time taken to remove, replace and rebrand existing signage.
Achievements and innovations in public transport will be celebrated at the third annual CiTTi Awards, which will be held on 26 November 2024 at the De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms in London. Nominations officially open in March 2024. Please visit www.cittiawards.co.uk to learn more about this unmissable event for the UK’s transportation sector.
