The somewhat inaccurately named Overground line (which is actually, more accurately, six lines) is finally getting a new name! It’s about time, too, since the line(s) has/have been operating under the Overground moniker since launching back in 2007. Even such new introductions to the British tube and rail system like the Elizabeth line got special names! And with the reveal of TfL’s ‘new activities’ budget – which covers £14 million of improvements and works – came the news that TfL will rename the London Overground lines.
No longer will you have to peer closely at the map to check if your Overground journey needs to go through Dalston Kingsland or Dalston Junction. And no longer will you accidentally end up at Watford Junction instead of Richmond after catching the Overground from Euston. Although, in that case, it sounds like maybe you just didn’t look at the signage…
Transport for London has earmarked a cool £4 million for the renaming. It seems like a lot but think of all the signs, maps, and software and hardware that will need updating… That’s no small task! No word yet on what exactly the new lines will be called – but it’s unlikely to be anything too outlandish!
The lines set for renaming run between:
- Gospel Oak and Barking Riverside
- Stratford and Richmond/ Clapham Junction
- Euston and Watford Junction
- Highbury and Islington and West Croydon/ Crystal Palace / Clapham Junction
- Liverpool Street and Enfield Town/ Chingford / Cheshunt
- Romford and Upminster
How will they choose the new names?
The Overground lines will be renamed by the end of 2024. They will remain ensconced under the Overground umbrella grouping – but with individual line names. TfL has partnered up with the Commission for Diversity in the Public Realm to land on naming themes. Sadiq Khan has suggested that the new line names will speak to London’s “historic locations and forgotten stories from our city that need retelling”.
While more specific details have yet to be revealed, it looks like public input will play somewhat of a role. Previous names for lines have come directly from City Hall or from the relevant body responsible for introducing the line. What kind of name would the British public come up with anyway? Based on previous instances maybe something like ‘Ovvy Groobs’ or ‘Trainy McOverground’.
What’s next, will the DLR get its own moniker? Or is Digital Light Rail sufficient in the eyes of TfL? With the new DLR carriages on their way into the city, it could be just the right time for them to get renamed too!
You can see the current Overground map at TfL’s website.