Transport for London (TfL) has announced that the London Overground will be split into six different lines, each with a different name and brand new colour. Broadly, these are similar to the shades already used to denote separate London Underground lines on the iconic Tube map.
But, the difference is that the new Overground sections are shown as two smaller parallel lines, much in the same way as the DLR is depicted on the famous London Underground map. The colours used will be grey, yellow, light blue, green, maroon and red.
Officials say TfL will now start the process of rebranding the Overground, with the full roll out expected to be completed ‘in one go’ by the end of the year. This includes an updated Tube map, a ‘refreshed’ London Overground network map and a number of on-network assets, including way finding signage at all 113 stations.
Last year, it was announced that Sadiq Khan had set aside £4m in TfL’s 2023-24 budget to look into the option of renaming the lines, which were previously known collectively as the London Overground, or more endearingly, the Ginger line.
Below is a full list of each line and why it was given its name, according to Transport for London.
Euston to Watford Junction
This will run through Wembley and honours the historic achievements and lasting legacy created by the England women’s football team that continues to inspire and empower the next generation of women and girls in sport. It will be yellow parallel lines on the map.
Stratford to Richmond/Clapham Junction
The Mildmay line, which runs through Dalston, honours the small charitable hospital in Shoreditch that has cared for Londoners over many years, notably its pivotal role in the HIV/AIDS crisis in the 1980s, which made it the valued and respected place it is for the LGBTQ+ community today.
It will be blue parallel lines on the map.
Highbury and Islington to Clapham Junction/New Cross/Crystal Palace/West Croydon
The Windrush line runs through areas with strong ties to Caribbean communities today, such as Dalston Junction, Peckham Rye and West Croydon and honours the Windrush generation who continue to shape and enrich London’s cultural and social identity today.
It will be red parallel lines on the map.
Liverpool Street to Cheshunt/Enfield Town/Chingford.
The Weaver line runs through Liverpool Street, Spitalfields, Bethnal Green and Hackney – areas of London known for their textile trade, shaped over the centuries by diverse migrant communities and individuals. It will be maroon parallel lines on the map.
Gospel Oak to Barking Riverside
The Suffragette line celebrates how the working-class movement in the East End, fought for votes for woman and paved the way for women’s rights. The line runs to Barking, home of the longest surviving Suffragette Annie Huggett, who died aged 103.
It will be green parallel lines on the map.
Romford to Upminster
The Liberty line celebrates the freedom that is a defining feature of London and references the ‘historical independence’ of the people of Havering, through which it runs.
It will be grey parallel lines on the map.
TfL says ‘careful validation and testing’ were undertaken to ensure the line colour selection was as inclusive as possible. This included active consideration of those with visual impairments, for example those with colour blindness.
Engagement also took place with TfL’s Independent Disability Advisory Group (IDAG), as well as accessibility and inclusion stakeholders through TfL’s Inclusive Transport Forum.
The independent research and naming process was undertaken by DNCO, a creative agency specialising in place branding and naming.
They led a programme, officials say, of engagement and co-creation, working with customers, creative and community groups, TfL stakeholders and their partners, and industry professionals and staff, providing ‘invaluable insight’ into London’s diverse histories and untold stories.
DNCO then used insights and conclusions drawn from this research phase to generate names for each of the lines, which were then taken forward to stakeholder decision making.
Throughout this summer, TfL says it will engage with Londoners and local communities about the new line names and how they can help tell some of the important stories of the capital’s ‘rich cultural diversity’ behind the line names.
The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan said: “This is a hugely exciting moment, transforming how we think about London’s transport network. Giving each of the Overground lines distinct colours and identities will make it simpler and easier for passengers to get around.”
“In re-imagining London’s tube map, we are also honouring and celebrating different parts of London’s unique local history and culture. The new names and colours have been chosen through engagement with passengers, historians and local communities, reflecting the heritage and diversity of our amazing city.”
What do you think of the new-look London Overground network? Please get in touch by emailing adam.toms@reachplc.com
