Network
A mixed reaction greeted Transport for London’s list of new names for its Overground routes, announced on February 14.
The rebranding exercise breaks with the Underground’s 19th century tradition of having a geographical theme. It has cost £6.3 million, and it sweeps away many familiar tags.
For example, the old Euston-Watford DC or ‘Silverlink’ service is now the Lioness Line, named after the England women’s football team.
And the familiar Highbury & Islington-West Croydon East London Line has become the Windrush Line, to honour the area’s first immigrants.
Contributing Writer rail@bauermedia.co.uk
Critics say that some of the labels are superficial or politically motivated, that the events they commemorate will be meaningless to future generations, and that further identity changes may need to be made to reflect future events.
However, opponents have proved to be in the minority, with most people welcoming their relevance and clarity.
London Mayor Sadiq Khan made a manifesto pledge in April 2021 to make the Overground (hitherto universally displayed on maps in orange) easier to understand, particularly as services head in various directions. The public were invited to offer suggestions, but would not take the final decision.
Although the lines are now split into distinct colours and identities, the singular orange roundel will stay on stations.
The full rollout of the individual names may take place in one go by the end of the year. Some 6,000 station direction signs and loudspeaker announcements will need changing.
TfL says it spoke to groups associated with the visually impaired before choosing the colours that will be applied to the increasingly complex London rail map.
