London’s Overground lines are going through an extensive rebrand, including the introduction of six official names.
The new names are based on important historical and cultural communities and areas throughout the capital, honouring important London names and places from throughout time.
However, this isn’t the first time that names have been suggested and assigned to Overground lines.
In fact, six names were already given to the lines back in 2015, before ultimately being scrapped. Here’s a closer look at what happened.
What were the original name suggestions for the Overground?
The six lines were originally suggested to be called: the Barking line, the East London line, the Emerson Park line, the Lea Valley line, the North London line, and the Watford Local line.
Indeed, you might well recognise some of those as ones that have been used colloquially (but not officially) for years.
There are other casual names given to the Overground lines, such as the Gospel Oak to Barking Riverside line being dubbed the 'Goblin'.
However, the original 2015 suggestions were ultimately scrapped, although there’s no clear reason why.
Why are the lines receiving new names now?
In 2022, London Mayor Sadiq Khan promised to rename the Overground services in keeping with London’s history, a promise he’s now delivering on.
“This is a hugely exciting moment, transforming how we think about London’s transport network,” said Mr Khan. “Giving each of the Overground lines distinct colours and identities will make it simpler and easier for passengers to get around.
“In reimagining London’s Tube map, we are also honouring and celebrating different parts of London’s unique local history and culture.”
The Overground network in its current form is pretty difficult to navigate on a map, having been established from little-used or defunct rail lines between 2007 and 2015. It grew rapidly and regularly carries more than three million passengers a week.
However, as the interconnected lines all used to be marked in orange, it was notoriously confusing for customers less familiar with London’s Overground network.
