London Overground rail lines will be given individual names and colours in a bid to make the network easier to navigate.
Transport for London
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan has announced the six names for the Overground lines as Lioness, Mildmay, Windrush, Weaver, Suffragette and Liberty, each “honouring and celebrating different parts of London’s unique local history and culture.”
London Overground lines have all been coloured orange on the map since the network was created in 2007 when Transport for London (TfL) took control of services on four suburban rail lines.
However, the network has expanded significantly since then, making it more complex for passengers to work out what train they need. Some have even described the current maps as a “mass of orange spaghetti”.
The overhaul will see each route represented on Tube maps as parallel lines in different colours.
The rebranding will be rolled out over a week in the autumn.
Mr 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 reimagining 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.”
Andy Lord, London’s transport commissioner, 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 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.”
The changes, estimated to cost £6.3 million, will be paid for out of Mr Khan’s Greater London Authority budget.
The majority of this will go towards updating customer information such as redesigning and redisplaying maps across all Tube and London Overground stations, and issuing new versions in print and online. Public address announcements will be re-recorded and around 6,000 station direction signs will be updated.
Transport for London
What will the names and colours for London Overground lines be, and why?
The Lioness line
Between Euston and Watford Junction
Colour: Yellow
Significance of the name: Honours the England women’s football team winning Euro 2022 at Wembley, which is on the line.
The Mildmay line
Between Stratford and Richmond/Clapham Junction
Colour: Blue
Significance of the name: The Mildmay Mission Hospital in Shoreditch specialises in treating patients with HIV-related illnesses.
The Windrush line
Between Highbury & Islington and Clapham Junction/New Cross/Crystal Palace/West Croydon
Colour: Red
Significance of the name: The Windrush generation came to the UK from the Caribbean to fill labour shortages after the Second World War. The line runs through areas with communities linked to the Caribbean.
The Weaver line
Between Liverpool Street and Cheshunt/Enfield Town/Chingford
Colour: Maroon
Significance of the name: The line runs through areas known for the textile trade.
The Suffragette line
Between Gospel Oak and Barking Riverside
Colour: Green
Significance of the name: Tribute to the fight for votes for women. Barking was home to suffragette Annie Huggett, who lived to 103.
The Liberty line
Between Romford and Upminster
Colour: Grey
Significance of the name: This line runs through Havering, which historically had more self-governance through being a royal liberty.
