London Overground

File:416 at Dalton Kingsland1.jpg operated North London Line services until 1997.]]

File:Class 313 train at Willesden High Level station - geograph.org.uk - 404996.jpg

Rail services in Great Britain are mostly run under franchises operated by private train operating companies, marketed together as National Rail.{{cite web|url=https://orr.gov.uk/about-orr/what-we-do/the-law-and-our-duties|title=The law and our duties|publisher=Office of Rail and Road|access-date=14 July 2019|archive-date=8 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190508034030/https://orr.gov.uk/about-orr/what-we-do/the-law-and-our-duties|url-status=live}}

The concept of developing a network of orbital services around London goes back to the independently produced Ringrail proposals in the early 1970s.{{Cite book |last1=Crowther |first1=G.L. |title=A new RingRail for London : the key to an integrated public transport system |last2=Vickers |first2=P.H. |last3=Pilling |first3=A.D. |publisher=Just and Company Limited |year=1973 |isbn=9780950339009}}{{Page needed|date=May 2023}} Some of these were evaluated in the London Rail Study of 1974{{cite web|url=https://www.railwaysarchive.co.uk/docsummary.php?docID=1294|title=Central London Rail Study :: The Railways Archive|access-date=14 July 2019|archive-date=2 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200802024721/http://www.railwaysarchive.co.uk/docsummary.php?docID=1294|url-status=live}} (the Barren Report) and Barren suggested consideration of a North London Network of orbital services, based on a later suggestion by the Ringrail Group, which involved using many existing rail routes, rather than the new construction suggested in earlier drafts of the Ringrail Plan.

The proposal from Barren was for several overlapping services mainly using the North London line, generally at 20-minute intervals. The suggested routes followed the original North London line service from Broad Street to Richmond, new services from Barking to Clapham Junction, and a third service from Ealing Broadway to North Woolwich. However, the Wilson government's continuing antipathy to the railways,{{citation needed|date=July 2015}} along with British Rail's management's lack of interest in minor local train services, meant that few of these initiatives were carried forward.

In 1979, the Greater London Council (GLC) decided to sponsor an improved service from Camden Road, on the North London line, to North Woolwich, opening up a previously freight-only line between Dalston and Stratford and linking it to an improved Stratford – North Woolwich service. This was given the marketing name Crosstown Linkline, and operated with basic two-car diesel multiple units.

The next initiative came from the GLC in 1984, when the government supported the Broadgate development that would entail the demolition of Broad Street station. The closure process was convoluted because of problems in making alternative arrangements for the North London line, and the remaining services operating from Watford Junction to the City. These eventually ran to and from Liverpool Street via a new section of track, the Graham Road Curve.

British Rail replaced the existing three-car {{brc|501}} electric trains (built 1957){{cite book |last1=Haresnape |first1=Brian |last2=Swain |first2=Alec |title=British Rail Fleet Survey 10: Third Rail DC Electric Multiple-Units |year=1989 |publisher=Ian Allan |location=Shepperton |isbn=0-7110-1760-3 |page=40 }} with slightly newer but shorter two-car {{brc|416}} electric trains (built 1959{{harvnb|Haresnape|Swain|1989|p=34}}), leading to overcrowding{{citation needed|date=January 2022}}. In 1988, by reorganising and reducing services on the Great Northern routes from Moorgate, about 18 relatively modern {{brc|313}} dual-voltage electric trains were transferred to operate the North London and Watford services, from both Euston and Liverpool Street.

Several voluntary sector groups, the Railway Development Society (RDS, later Railfuture), Transport 2000's then London groups, and the Capital Transport Campaign, launched a series of leaflets and briefings promoting a concept called Outer Circle. This name had once been used for a semi-circular service from Broad Street to Mansion House, which ceased during World War I.

File:New Cross Gate station, London - geograph.org.uk - 1100010.jpg, once a part of London Underground, was extended and incorporated into London Overground in 2010.]]

The pamphlets and briefings, first issued in 1997, initially suggested a route from Clapham Junction to the Greenwich Peninsula, intended to improve access from south London to the Millennium Dome. However, this was thwarted by architect Richard Rogers{{citation needed|date=July 2015}} who considered that a railway route on a viaduct could cause "community severance",{{citation needed|date=July 2015}} and so the Victorian brick viaduct was demolished. Nothing further happened to develop this network until after the new Greater London Authority (GLA) was launched in 2000. But the lobbying discreetly continued, with a series of short briefings published by one RDS member based in North London. Mayoral and GLA candidates were approached to discuss the viability of the Outer Circle concept. The principle was widely supported and was adopted into the first Mayor's Transport Plan, published in 2001.

Meanwhile, a pilot scheme was launched in 2003 to bring several National Rail local services, mainly in South London, operated by Connex South Eastern, Southern and South West Trains under the ON – Overground Network brand. TfL introduced consistent information displays, station signage and maps on the selected routes in South London. Although this pilot was primarily an exercise in branding, some service improvements were introduced, and it was the first instance of the newly created TfL having a visible influence over National Rail services. The pilot scheme was later dropped.

The Silverlink franchise on the North London line was frequently regarded by travellers as having offered a poor service,{{cite news |last=Sharp |first=Rachel |date=24 October 2007 |title=TfL to take on rail network |url=http://www.ealingtimes.co.uk/news/localnews/display.var.1782035.0.tfl_to_take_on_rail_network.php |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080113234049/http://www.ealingtimes.co.uk/news/localnews/display.var.1782035.0.tfl_to_take_on_rail_network.php |archive-date=13 January 2008 |access-date=26 October 2007 |newspaper=Ealing Times}} complaints centring around extremely congested trains and unreliable service.{{cite news |date=26 October 2007 |title=Braced for rail strikes |url=http://www.hackneygazette.co.uk/content/hackney/gazette/news/story.aspx?brand=HKYGOnline&category=news&tBrand=northlondon24&tCategory=newshkyg&itemid=WeED25%20Oct%202007%2011%3A49%3A35%3A157 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071128081313/http://www.hackneygazette.co.uk/content/hackney/gazette/news/story.aspx?brand=HKYGOnline&category=news&tBrand=northlondon24&tCategory=newshkyg&itemid=WeED25%20Oct%202007%2011%3A49%3A35%3A157 |archive-date=28 November 2007 |access-date=30 January 2021 |newspaper=Hackney Gazette}} The quality of the Class 313 trains used were also criticised; its interiors were of noticeably lower quality compared to that of newer trains and the trains themselves were viewed as unwelcoming to passengers, particularly during late hours.{{cite magazine |last=Clinnick |first=Richard |date=30 December 2009 |title=A benchmark for inner suburban trains |url=https://www.railmagazine.com/trains/current-trains/a-benchmark-for-inner-suburban-trains |magazine=Rail Magazine |location=Peterborough}}

In January 2004 the Department for Transport (DfT) announced a review of the rail industry in Great Britain.{{cite web |url=http://www.dft.gov.uk/about/strategy/whitepapers/rail/ |title=The Future of Rail – White Paper CM 6233 |publisher=Department for Transport |access-date=25 August 2008 |date=15 July 2004 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080517104052/http://www.dft.gov.uk/about/strategy/whitepapers/rail/ |archive-date = 17 May 2008}} As part of that review, TfL proposed a "London Regional Rail Authority" to give TfL regulatory powers over rail services in and around Greater London.{{Cite press release |url=http://www.tfl.gov.uk/static/corporate/media/newscentre/archive/4359.html |title=Bob Kiley outlines proposals for London Regional Rail Authority |date=23 March 2004 |publisher=Transport for London |access-date=26 June 2011 |archive-date=3 September 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120903185709/http://www.tfl.gov.uk/static/corporate/media/newscentre/archive/4359.html |url-status=live }} A result of this consultation was agreement by the Secretary of State for Transport, Alistair Darling, to transfer the Silverlink Metro services from DfT to TfL control.{{cite web |url=http://www.alwaystouchout.com/project/66 |title=London Rail Authority |date=7 September 2006 |publisher=AlwaysTouchOut.com |access-date=25 August 2008 |archive-date=19 January 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080119111049/http://www.alwaystouchout.com/project/66 |url-status=live }}

Silverlink had two areas of operation: Silverlink County regional services from {{Stnlnk|Euston}} to {{Stnlnk|Northampton}}, {{Stnlnk|St Albans Abbey}}, {{Stnlnk|Bletchley}} and {{Stnlnk|Bedford}}; and Silverlink Metro within the London urban area. When the franchise was split up in 2007, County services were taken over by the London Midland franchise,{{Cite press release |url= http://www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/rail/passenger/franchises/wmfranchise |archive-url= http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20080305141426/http://www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/rail/passenger/franchises/wmfranchise |url-status= dead |archive-date= 5 March 2008 |title=New trains and more services for the Midlands |date=21 June 2007 |publisher= Department for Transport}} and the Metro services came under TfL control. TfL decided to let this franchise as a management contract, with TfL taking the revenue risk.

On 20 February 2006, the DfT announced that TfL would take over management of services then provided by Silverlink Metro.{{cite web|url=https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200506/cmhansrd/vo060214/wmstext/60214m11.htm#60214m11.html_spmin1|title=Silverlink Metro|last=Darling|first=Alistair|date=14 February 2006|author-link= Alistair Darling|publisher=Hansard|access-date=25 August 2008|archive-date=30 September 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120930183119/http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200506/cmhansrd/vo060214/wmstext/60214m11.htm#60214m11.html_spmin1|url-status=live}} Tenders were invited to operate the service under the provisional name of the North London Railway. Four bidders were shortlisted – Govia, MTR/Laing Rail, National Express and NedRail.{{Cite news|url=https://tfl.gov.uk/info-for/media/press-releases/2006/june/four-bidders-on-tfl-london-rail-concession-shortlist|title=Four bidders on TfL London Rail Concession shortlist|date=7 June 2006|work=Transport for London|access-date=10 October 2020|archive-date=29 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201129213910/https://tfl.gov.uk/info-for/media/press-releases/2006/june/four-bidders-on-tfl-london-rail-concession-shortlist|url-status=live}}{{Cite news |date=2006-06-07 |title=Firms compete for rail contracts |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/london/5054844.stm |access-date=2025-02-06 |work=BBC News |language=en-GB}} In August 2006, a contract worth £223 million was signed with rolling stock manufacturer Bombardier for new trains, with an initial batch of 152 individual cars to be delivered from September 2008, as well as options to purchase additional cars.{{cite press release |title=Bombardier Wins a £223 Million Order from Transport for London for 152 Electric Multiple Unit Cars for the United Kingdom |date=31 August 2006 |publisher=Bombardier Transportation |url=http://www.bombardier.com/en/media-centre/newsList/details.1184-bombardier-wins-a-ps223-million-order-from-transport-for-london-for-152-electric-multiple-unit-cars-for-the-united-kingdom.html?filter-bu=all&f-year=2006&f-month=7&f-type=all&show-by-page=50&page=1 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140301210827/http://www.bombardier.com/en/media-centre/newsList/details.1184-bombardier-wins-a-ps223-million-order-from-transport-for-london-for-152-electric-multiple-unit-cars-for-the-united-kingdom.html?filter-bu=all&f-year=2006&f-month=7&f-type=all&show-by-page=50&page=1 |archive-date=1 March 2014}}

On 5 September 2006, TfL announced that the extended East London line would be included, and the operation would be branded as London Overground.{{Cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/london/5316358.stm|title=London Overground plans unveiled|date=5 September 2006|publisher=BBC News|access-date=10 October 2020|archive-date=1 February 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080201011101/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/london/5316358.stm|url-status=live}}{{Cite press release |title=Introducing London Overground – a new era for London Rail |date=5 September 2006 |publisher=Transport for London |url=https://tfl.gov.uk/static/corporate/media/newscentre/archive/3489.html |access-date=27 July 2017 |url-status=bot: unknown |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131105185140/https://tfl.gov.uk/static/corporate/media/newscentre/archive/3489.html |archive-date=5 November 2013}} (via archive.org). In June 2007, TfL announced that London Overground Rail Operations (a joint venture of Laing Rail and MTR Corporation) had been awarded the contract, with TfL promising "more staff, new trains, a vastly upgraded service, and refurbished and new stations" when they took over in November 2007.{{Cite news |date=2007-06-19 |title=New operator for London railway |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/london/6766737.stm |access-date=2025-02-06 |work=BBC News |language=en-GB}} On 25 June 2007, a statutory instrument was laid before parliament to exclude the ex-Silverlink metro lines from the franchising process, which enabled them to be operated as a concession.{{Cite web |date=13 February 2006 |title=Terms of Transfer relating to the transfer of the Silverlink Metro Network |url=https://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/ukgwa/20150410004229mp_/https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/246548/silverlink-metro.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/ukgwa/20170131002202/https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/london-overground-leaving-the-national-rail-network |archive-date=31 January 2017 |access-date=14 November 2024 |publisher=GOV.UK}}{{Cite legislation UK |type=si |year=2007 |number=1790 |si=The Railways (North and West London Lines) Exemption Order 2007 |date=25 June 2007 }}

File:London Overground 2007.png

On 11 November 2007, TfL took over suburban services previously operated by Silverlink Metro.{{Cite news |date=2007-11-11 |title=London Overground services begin |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/london/7089481.stm |access-date=2025-02-06 |work=BBC News |language=en-GB}} The following day there was an official launch ceremony at Hampstead Heath station with the Mayor of London, Ken Livingstone; there was also a later media event on the bay platform at Willesden Junction. The launch was accompanied by a marketing campaign entitled "London's new train set", with posters and leaflets carrying an image of model railway packaging containing new Overground trains, tracks and staff.{{cite web |url = http://www.tfl.gov.uk/assets/downloads/guide-to-london-overground.pdf |title = London's new train set |access-date =11 November 2007 |publisher=Transport for London|date= January 2008 |format=leaflet | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110604232129/http://www.tfl.gov.uk/assets/downloads/guide-to-london-overground.pdf |url-status = dead | archive-date=4 June 2011}} TfL undertook to revamp the routes by improving service frequencies and station facilities, staffing all stations, introducing new rolling stock and allowing Oyster pay as you go throughout the network from the outset.{{cite web |url = http://www.tfl.gov.uk/assets/downloads/creating-london-overground.pdf |title = Creating London Overground |access-date =11 November 2007 |publisher=Transport for London |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080409100949/http://www.tfl.gov.uk/assets/downloads/creating-london-overground.pdf | archive-date = 9 April 2008 |year= 2007|format=leaflet}}

After the takeover, all stations were "deep-cleaned",{{cite web |work=The Londoner |title=All Change |date=November 2007 |publisher=Greater London Authority |url=http://www.london.gov.uk/londoner/07nov/p8a.jsp?nav=around |access-date=4 November 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071214050502/http://www.london.gov.uk/londoner/07nov/p8a.jsp?nav=around |archive-date=14 December 2007}} and Silverlink branding removed. Station signage was replaced with Overground-branded signs using TfL's corporate New Johnston typeface. In July 2009, the first of the new Class 378 trains entered service.{{cite magazine |last=Clinnick |first=Richard |date=30 December 2009 |title=A benchmark for inner suburban trains |url=https://www.railmagazine.com/trains/current-trains/a-benchmark-for-inner-suburban-trains |magazine=Rail Magazine |location=Peterborough}}

On 15 April 2009, the North London line trains at Stratford moved to new high-level platforms 1 and 2 from low-level platforms 1 and 2, which were needed to allow the construction of an extension of the Docklands Light Railway to Stratford International. The new platforms 1 and 2 are an island platform with step-free access to platform 12 and subway links to platforms 3–11.[http://www.tfl.gov.uk/assets/livetravelnews/realtime/rail/London-Overground-Stratford-leaflet.pdf London Overground: Stratford Platform Changes] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120118215633/http://www.tfl.gov.uk/assets/livetravelnews/realtime/rail/London-Overground-Stratford-leaflet.pdf |date=18 January 2012 }} (Information leaflet, TfL January 2009) On 27 September 2009, Imperial Wharf station opened on the West London line, between West Brompton and {{Stnlnk|Clapham Junction}}.{{Cite news|url=https://tfl.gov.uk/info-for/media/press-releases/2009/september/boost-for-west-london-as-mayor-opens-new-imperial-wharf-station|title=Boost for West London as Mayor opens new Imperial Wharf station|date=29 September 2009|work=Transport for London|access-date=10 October 2020|archive-date=29 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201129213911/https://tfl.gov.uk/info-for/media/press-releases/2009/september/boost-for-west-london-as-mayor-opens-new-imperial-wharf-station|url-status=live}}

{{Main|East London line extension}}

File:Overground Shoreditch bridge AB2.JPG.]]

On 27 April 2010, the East London line became part of the London Overground network when the Phase 1 extension was completed.{{Cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/london/8620188.stm |title=East London line officially opens |date=27 April 2010 |publisher=BBC News |location=London |access-date=2 April 2010 |archive-date=10 August 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170810172914/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/london/8620188.stm |url-status=live }} The former London Underground line was extended northwards, mostly along the former Broad Street viaduct of the North London line, to the re-opened {{Stnlnk|Dalston Junction}}, and southwards to {{Stnlnk|Crystal Palace}} and West Croydon.

Operations began with a limited preview service between Dalston Junction and New Cross/New Cross Gate,{{Cite press release |title=New era of rail travel as London Overground's east London route opens to the public |url=http://www.tfl.gov.uk/corporate/media/newscentre/archive/15358.aspx |access-date=26 June 2011 |publisher=Transport for London |date=27 April 2010 |archive-date=30 September 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110930214556/http://www.tfl.gov.uk/corporate/media/newscentre/archive/15358.aspx |url-status=live }} with full operation between Dalston Junction and West Croydon/Crystal Palace on 23 May.{{Cite news |title= Full service begins on newly extended East London Line |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/london/8699262.stm |access-date=27 May 2010 |publisher=BBC News |date=23 May 2010}} On 28 February 2011, the line between Dalston Junction and Highbury & Islington was opened. In attendance were the Mayor of London and London Underground's Managing Director. TfL announced in November 2010 that ridership was ahead of forecast at 92,000 a day, and that patronage at Surrey Quays had "gone through the roof".{{cite magazine|author=Abbott, James |title=Overground champion bows out |magazine=Modern Railways |location =London |date=December 2010 |page=48}}

The incorporation of the East London line into the Overground network has added substantial sections of line in tunnel, including the historic Thames Tunnel, the oldest tunnel under a navigable river in the world. A peculiarity is that at {{stl|LUL|Whitechapel}} the London Overground runs below the London Underground (though there are other parts of the network where this occurs, e.g. the Watford Junction to Euston route between Kenton and South Kenton – shared with the Bakerloo line – passes under the Metropolitan line between Northwick Park and Preston Road).

{{Main|South London line}}

File:Denmark Hill stn high eastbound.JPG on the Overground South London line extension]]

The next addition opened on 9 December 2012, from {{stnlnk|Surrey Quays}} to {{stnlnk|Clapham Junction}} via the South London line, calling at {{stnlnk|Queens Road Peckham}}, {{stnlnk|Peckham Rye}}, {{stnlnk|Denmark Hill}}, {{stnlnk|Clapham High Street}} and {{stnlnk|Wandsworth Road}}. The extension uses an alignment between Surrey Quays and just north of {{stnlnk|Queen's Road Peckham}} that had been disused since 1911; new track was laid after some major civil engineering works. Passive provision has also been made for a new station at {{stnlnk|Surrey Canal}}, to be constructed when funding becomes fully available. This was put on hold in 2009, although a suitable station 'foundation structure' has been built to facilitate completion in the future.

Funding for the railway rebuilding project was secured in February 2009,{{Cite press release |url=http://www.tfl.gov.uk/static/corporate/media/newscentre/archive/11192.html |title=Final section of Capital's orbital railway gets the go-ahead |date=12 February 2009 |publisher=Transport for London |access-date=26 June 2011 |archive-date=30 September 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110930232009/http://www.tfl.gov.uk/static/corporate/media/newscentre/archive/11192.html |url-status=live }} including £64 million from the Department for Transport (DfT) and £15 million from TfL, and construction began in May 2011.

The route passes over both {{Stnlnk|Loughborough Junction}} and {{Stnlnk|Brixton}} stations without stopping, and this lack of interchange stations was criticised by local politicians during the planning phase of the project.{{Cite news|url=http://icsouthlondon.icnetwork.co.uk/0100news/0400lambeth/tm_objectid=14173461&method=full&siteid=50100&headline=junction-joy-south-name_page.html |title=Junction joy South |work=South London Press |location=Streatham |date=24 April 2004 |access-date=3 November 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040509165548/http://icsouthlondon.icnetwork.co.uk/0100news/0400lambeth/tm_objectid%3D14173461%26method%3Dfull%26siteid%3D50100%26headline%3Djunction-joy-south-name_page.html |archive-date=9 May 2004 |url-status=dead }}{{cite web |url=https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200506/cmhansrd/cm060719/halltext/60719h0006.htm#06071968000550 |title=Parliamentary Debate: London Orbital Rail Network |author=Martin Linton MP |work=Hansard |date=4 August 2006 |access-date=3 November 2007 |archive-date=9 December 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071209144434/http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200506/cmhansrd/cm060719/halltext/60719h0006.htm#06071968000550 |url-status=live }} No stations are planned at these locations as the line is on high railway arches, making the cost of any station construction prohibitive.{{cite web |url=http://www.alwaystouchout.com/project/3 |title=East London Line Extensions – Loughborough Junction |work=AlwaysTouchOut |date=9 November 2006 |access-date=3 November 2007 |archive-date=30 April 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090430195336/http://www.alwaystouchout.com/project/3 |url-status=live }}

On 31 May 2015, the Liverpool Street to Enfield Town, Cheshunt (via Seven Sisters) and Chingford services, as well as the Romford to Upminster service, were transferred from Greater Anglia to TfL to become part of the London Overground network.[http://www.travelandtourworld.com/news/article/london-overground-operator-appointed-run-additional-services-tfl/ London Overground operator appointed to run additional services for TfL] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150517021245/http://www.travelandtourworld.com/news/article/london-overground-operator-appointed-run-additional-services-tfl/ |date=17 May 2015 }} Travel & Tour World 4 June 2013

{{cite news |last1=Topham |first1=Gwyn |title=Clean, reliable and integrated: all change for neglected rail services in London |url= https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2015/may/29/neglected-rail-services-london-tfl-overground |newspaper=The Guardian |location= London |access-date=31 May 2015 |date=29 May 2015 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20150530102931/http://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2015/may/29/neglected-rail-services-london-tfl-overground |archive-date=30 May 2015|url-status=live}}

The initial network, service levels and timetables were a continuation of Silverlink Metro services, a set of routes primarily built and electrified by the North London and London & North Western railway companies in the 19th and early 20th centuries. As the Overground name implies, the majority of the network is above ground, and it mostly consists of railway lines that connect areas outside Central London, with a considerable portion of the network in Zone 2. The network also uses {{Stnlnk|Euston}} in central London, the southern terminus of the Watford DC line.

The network interchanges with the Bakerloo, Central, Circle, District, Hammersmith & City, Jubilee, Metropolitan, Northern and Victoria tube lines, and also with the Docklands Light Railway, Elizabeth line and Tramlink networks. The Overground lines appear on Tube maps issued by TfL,{{cite web |url=http://www.tfl.gov.uk/cdn/static/cms/documents/standard-tube-map.pdf |title=Tube Map |publisher=Transport for London |date=December 2013 |access-date=24 March 2014 |archive-date=26 September 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150926115642/https://tfl.gov.uk/cdn/static/cms/documents/standard-tube-map.pdf |url-status=live }} and a separate map of the system is available.{{cite web |url=http://www.tfl.gov.uk/cdn/static/cms/documents/london-overground-network-map.pdf |title=London Overground |publisher=Transport for London |date=December 2013 |access-date=24 March 2014 |archive-date=25 March 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140325035952/http://www.tfl.gov.uk/cdn/static/cms/documents/london-overground-network-map.pdf |url-status=live }}

Much of London Overground passes through less affluent areas, and is seen as contributing to their regeneration.{{cite web |url=http://www.tfl.gov.uk/assets/downloads/businessandpartners/network-rail-rus-response.pdf |title=Response to Network Rail's Draft Cross London Route Utilisation Strategy |publisher=Transport for London |date=February 2006 |access-date=10 January 2007 |archive-date=4 March 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090304152503/http://www.tfl.gov.uk/assets/downloads/businessandpartners/network-rail-rus-response.pdf |url-status=live }} The North London and Gospel Oak to Barking lines were previously considered by the Transport Committee of the London Assembly to be neglected and not developed to their full potential.{{cite web |url=http://www.london.gov.uk/who-runs-london/the-london-assembly/publications/transport/london%E2%80%99s-forgotten-railway |title=London's Forgotten Railway: The Transport Committee's Review of the North London Railway |publisher=Greater London Authority |date=March 2006 |access-date=9 December 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120823065642/http://www.london.gov.uk/who-runs-london/the-london-assembly/publications/transport/london%E2%80%99s-forgotten-railway |archive-date=23 August 2012 }}

{{gallery|mode=packed |width=250

| title = London Overground network

|File:London Overground map sb.svg|Schematic map of the London Overground network

|File:Overground Route.svg|Geographic map showing London Overground

}}

{{center|{{Overground RDT|collapse=|float=none}}}}

{{update|the out-of-date service tables|date=September 2024}}

Windrush Line services are served by New Cross Gate Depot. Mildmay, Lioness, and Suffragette Line services are served by Willesden Traction Maintenance Depot. Weaver and Liberty Line are served by Ilford EMU Depot, Chingford Sidings and Gidea Park Sidings.

File:Overground House.jpg

File:Willesden Junction station MMB 20 Willesden TMD 378007 378015.jpg

London Overground's head office and control centre are at Swiss Cottage. Rolling stock is maintained at Willesden Junction and New Cross Gate TMDs, the latter being newly built for the extended East London line. There are also sidings at Silwood Triangle (just north of New Cross depot), built in 2013–14. Satellite locations for stabling trains include Stratford, London Euston and sidings (mainly used by London Northwestern Railway), and c2c's East Ham Depot. Train crews are based at stations including Euston, Willesden Junction, Watford Junction, New Cross, Stratford and Gospel Oak. Up to the early 2010s, London Overground operated with a conductor or guard on its North London, West London and Gospel Oak services. With the other 60% of Overground services already operated by only a driver, it was decided in 2013 to convert these remaining two-person operated trains to driver only.{{cite web|url=http://www.guardian-series.co.uk/news/wfnews/10559761.Warning_over_passenger_safety_as_union_vows_to_fight_driver_only_trains_plan/ |title=Warning over passenger safety as union vows to fight driver only trains plan (From East London and West Essex Guardian Series) |access-date=5 August 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150227102414/http://www.guardian-series.co.uk/news/wfnews/10559761.Warning_over_passenger_safety_as_union_vows_to_fight_driver_only_trains_plan/ |archive-date=27 February 2015 }}

The London Overground is currently operated by Arriva Rail London under a contract with TfL which expires in 2026. Following a model similar to that used for the Docklands Light Railway, TfL invited tenders for operation of the Overground. Unlike other National Rail operators under the franchise control of the Department for Transport, TfL sets fares, procures rolling stock and decides service levels. The operator takes only a small element of revenue risk, with TfL taking 90% and the operator 10%.

The first operator, London Overground Rail Operations, a 50:50 joint venture between Laing Rail and MTR Corporation, was chosen by TfL on 19 June 2007.{{Cite press release |title= Milestone reached in transformation of London's overland rail network as operator is announced |publisher= Greater London Authority |date= 19 June 2007 |url= http://www.london.gov.uk/media/press_releases_mayoral/milestone-reached-transformation-londons-overland-rail-network-operator |access-date= 9 December 2012 |url-status= dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20120506115608/http://www.london.gov.uk/media/press_releases_mayoral/milestone-reached-transformation-londons-overland-rail-network-operator |archive-date= 6 May 2012 }} Four bidders had been shortlisted to operate the concession – Govia, MTR/Laing Rail, National Express and NedRail. The contract was signed on 2 July 2007 for seven years with the option of a two-year extension.{{Cite news |title= MTR Laing beats Go-Ahead unit Govia to win North London rail franchise |work=London South East |agency=Thomson Financial |date=19 June 2007 |url= http://www.lse.co.uk/FinanceNews.asp?ArticleCode=zzud2jpycp8digt&ArticleHeadline=MTR_Laing_beats_GoAhead_unit_Govia_to_win_North_London_rail_franchise_UPDATE}} In preparation for the launch of the Overground, MTR Laing renamed itself London Overground Rail Operations. In February 2013, it was awarded a concession extension until 14 November 2016.

In April 2015, TfL placed a notice in the Official Journal of the European Union, inviting expressions of interest in operating the next concession.

[http://maintenance.tfl.gov.uk/info-for/media/press-releases/2015/april/tfl-starts-search-for-next-operator-to-run-overground TfL starts search for next operator to run Overground]{{Dead link|date=March 2019 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} Transport for London 9 April 2015

In July 2015, TfL announced the shortlisted bidders for the next concession were Arriva UK Trains, ComfortDelGro, a Keolis/Go-Ahead joint venture and MTR Corporation.{{cite magazine |date=29 June 2015 |title=Four bidders shortlisted for London Overground operating concession |url=http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/passenger/single-view/view/four-bidders-shortlisted-for-london-overground-operating-concession.html |magazine=Railway Gazette International}} In March 2016, TfL announced that Arriva Rail London had won the right to operate the London Overground concession, starting from 13 November 2016.{{cite news|title=Arriva named as new operator for London Overground|url=https://tfl.gov.uk/info-for/media/press-releases/2016/march/arriva-named-as-new-operator-for-london-overground|access-date=8 November 2016|publisher=Transport for London|date=18 March 2016|archive-date=9 November 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161109021857/https://tfl.gov.uk/info-for/media/press-releases/2016/march/arriva-named-as-new-operator-for-london-overground|url-status=live}}{{cite web |url=http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/passenger/single-view/view/arriva-wins-london-overground-concession.html |title=Arriva wins London Overground concession |author= |date=18 March 2016 |website=Railway Gazette |access-date=18 March 2016 |archive-date=21 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160321114749/http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/passenger/single-view/view/arriva-wins-london-overground-concession.html |url-status=live }} In June 2023, Arriva announced a contract extension had been secured with TfL, pushing the expiry date to May 2026.{{Cite news |title=Arriva extends London overground contract with TfL |url=https://www.railway-technology.com/news/arriva-extends-london-overground-tfl-contract/ | date = 28 June 2023 | access-date=23 July 2024 | first = Cat | last = Vitale |work=Railway Technology}}

File:Surrey Quays Station geograph-4024148-by-Ben-Brooksbank.jpg

Ticketing is a mix of paper, Oyster cards, electronic smart cards and contactless payment cards for "pay-as-you-go" travel. As with all National Rail and TfL services in London, passengers can use a Travelcard (daily, seven-day, monthly or annual); as on other National Rail services in London, paper single, return and cheap day return tickets priced under the zonal fare scheme are also available.

As part of an effort to improve safety and protect revenue, TfL has announced that it will introduce ticket barriers at a number of stations. The stations that did not have barriers when TfL took over have been fitted with standalone Oyster card readers similar to those at ungated Underground and DLR stations. The validators at {{stl|LUL|Blackhorse Road}} which were needed to enter/exit the Oyster card system when changing to and from the Victoria line were replaced with route validators, coloured pink: these are used to show that a traveller using Oyster PAYG changed lines at that station, showing which of the possible routes was used. Typically, this avoids paying for zone 1 when the passenger did not travel into it.

Ticket stock is common National Rail stock, as Overground services remain part of the National Rail network, but sometimes with a large TfL roundel in the centre and the repeated legend "Rail Settlement Plan" or on newer versions "National Rail" on a light green background. This ticket stock, coded "TFL" on the reverse, was introduced in November 2007.{{cite journal|date=December 2007|title=National Rail News|journal=Journal of the Transport Ticket Society|issue=527|page=450|location=Kemsing|publisher=Transport Ticket Society|issn=0144-347X}}

Oyster PAYG is charged on the same zone-based rules as for the Underground and the Docklands Light Railway. Stations outside Greater London (except Watford Junction) are included in the new Travelcard Zones 7-9. On 2 January 2008 Acton Central was moved from zone 2 to 3, Hampstead Heath from 3 to 2 and Willesden Junction from 3 to both 2 and 3.{{cite web |url=http://www.tfl.gov.uk/assets/downloads/guide-to-fares-and-tickets-08-01-02.pdf |title=Your guide to fares and tickets (2 January 2008 until further notice) |date=November 2007 |publisher=Transport for London |access-date=10 July 2008 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080409100948/http://www.tfl.gov.uk/assets/downloads/guide-to-fares-and-tickets-08-01-02.pdf |archive-date = 9 April 2008}}

Paper tickets are charged on the same zone-based rules as for Underground and DLR paper tickets, which were expanded to take in the extra zones covered. Watford Junction has its own fare scale.{{citation needed|date=June 2023}} Paper tickets are significantly more expensive than using Oyster PAYG.{{citation needed|date=June 2023}}

{{Update | section | date = February 2022 | reason = Eight year old performance statistics no long relevant}}

Although a TfL service, the Overground is part of the National Rail network, unlike the Underground. The most recent figures released by Network Rail (NR), for period 7 (2013{{ndash}}2014), showed that it had achieved 96.6% of the Public Performance Measure (PPM) target for punctuality and reliability set by the ORR – down 0.9 percentage points on the period last year. The moving annual average (MAA) of the PPM for the 12 months to 12 October 2013 was 96.5%.{{cite web | title = Rail performance results period 7 | url = http://www.networkrail.co.uk/about/performance/ | publisher = Network Rail | access-date = 26 December 2012 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20151208114925/http://www.networkrail.co.uk/about/performance/ | archive-date = 8 December 2015 | url-status = dead }} TfL, in conjunction with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, has investigated the use of data from the Oyster smartcard ticketing system to measure the performance of the Overground explicitly from the passenger perspective.{{cite web

|first=Michael

|last=Frumin

|title=Oyster-Based Performance Metrics for the London Overground

|year=2008

|url=http://frumin.net/ation/2008/11/what_i_did_last_summer.html

|access-date=10 November 2008

|archive-date=13 November 2008

|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081113141617/http://frumin.net/ation/2008/11/what_i_did_last_summer.html

|url-status=live

}}

In the autumn 2011 National Passenger Survey, conducted by Passenger Focus, London Overground received an overall satisfaction rating of 92%, a 7% improvement on the previous survey.{{cite web |url=http://www.passengerfocus.org.uk/research/publications/national-passenger-survey-autumn-2011-main-report |date=26 January 2012 |access-date=9 December 2012 |publisher=Passenger Focus |title=National Passenger Survey Autumn 2011 Main Report |archive-date=1 November 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121101003429/http://www.passengerfocus.org.uk/research/publications/national-passenger-survey-autumn-2011-main-report |url-status=live }} However, a survey in February 2014 by the consumer group Which? found that customer satisfaction of London Overground was at sixth place (out of 20 train operators) with a satisfaction percentage of 58%.{{cite web |url=http://www.which.co.uk/home-and-garden/leisure/reviews-ns/best-and-worst-uk-train-companies/best-train-companies-overall/ |date=17 February 2014 |access-date=21 February 2014 |publisher=Which? |title=Best and worst UK train companies |archive-date=26 February 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140226224802/http://www.which.co.uk/home-and-garden/leisure/reviews-ns/best-and-worst-uk-train-companies/best-train-companies-overall/ |url-status=live }}

{{multiple image|caption_align=center|header_align=center

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| alt2 = orange roundel sign

| caption2 = Signage at Emerson Park station

| image1 = Shadwell station (East London Line) south entrance April2010.jpg

| width1= 240

| height1=

| alt1 = 3D lettering above station entrance

| caption1 = The London Overground roundel and 3D lettering at Shadwell station

| footer =

}}

File:Overground rebrand at Gospel Oak vc.jpg

Public presentation is visually associated with TfL design standards, using similar graphic design elements to those used on the Underground. These design standards have been applied to London Overground stations, signage, rolling stock and publicity. London Overground also uses the TfL corporate typeface, New Johnston, on its signage, publicity, and stationery and on its fleet of trains. Overground signage is in a vivid orange shade (Pantone 158C). The orange colour was inherited from the former East London line prior to its transfer from Underground to Overground.{{cite web | url = http://content.tfl.gov.uk/tfl-colour-standards-issue04.pdf | title = TfL Colour standards | publisher = Transport for London | edition = 4 | access-date = 5 July 2016 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160705095313/http://content.tfl.gov.uk/tfl-colour-standards-issue04.pdf | archive-date = 5 July 2016 | url-status = live}}{{cite web|title=Design standards|url=https://tfl.gov.uk/info-for/suppliers-and-contractors/design-standards|publisher=Transport for London|access-date=25 October 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150423045735/http://tfl.gov.uk/info-for/suppliers-and-contractors/design-standards|archive-date=23 April 2015|url-status=live}}

Before 2024, London Overground lines tube map did not use colours to distinguish between the different Overground lines. Like the Docklands Light Railway and the Elizabeth line, the Overground is represented by a double line rather than a solid single line, to distinguish it from the colour-coded Underground lines. The London Overground also uses a variant of the TfL roundel. TfL denotes its different transport modes such as London Underground and London Buses with variants of the roundel device using a range of colours, and the London Overground version consists of an orange ring with a blue bar. The roundel has its origins in a 1933 design by the London Passenger Transport Board and has spawned many variations.{{cite web|title=London Overground Basic Elements Standard – Issue 2|url=http://content.tfl.gov.uk/overground-basic-elements-standard1.pdf|publisher=Transport for London|access-date=25 October 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150502130246/http://tfl.gov.uk/cdn/static/cms/documents/overground-basic-elements-standard1.pdf|archive-date=2 May 2015|page=8|date=January 2009|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=http://www.designmuseum.org/design/london-transport|access-date=25 August 2008|title=Designing Modern Britain – London Transport|publisher=Design Museum|location=London|archive-date=20 August 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080820062738/http://www.designmuseum.org/design/london-transport|url-status=live}}

Unlike other National Rail stations, London Overground stations which are not served by another National Rail operator now omit the red National Rail "double arrow" logo from signage outside the stations, using only the Overground roundel instead.{{cite web|title=London Overground Signs Standard – Issue 3|url=http://content.tfl.gov.uk/overground-signs-standard.pdf|publisher=Transport for London|access-date=25 October 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150502140514/http://tfl.gov.uk/cdn/static/cms/documents/overground-signs-standard.pdf|archive-date=2 May 2015|page=18|date=3 August 2009|url-status=live}} A few refurbished or new stations on the reopened East London line display the station name in large orange three-dimensional uppercase letters.{{citation needed|date=January 2017}}

Before 2024 the Overground lines were also not officially distinguished by individual names, unlike the Underground. Mayor of London Sadiq Khan pledged in April 2022 that he would invite Londoners to suggest new Overground lines individual names to reflect their "diverse history".{{cite news|url=https://www.standard.co.uk/news/mayor/london-overground-renamed-sadiq-khan-diversity-b930046.html|title=London Overground lines to be renamed as Sadiq Khan expands plans to reflect capital's historic diversity|work=Evening Standard|location=London

|date=16 April 2021|access-date=14 February 2023}} In August 2023, a consultation was announced to provide more clarity to the London Overground network by giving each route its own name and colour on the Tube map, making it easier for passengers to navigate their way around the system.{{cite web |url=https://www.standard.co.uk/news/transport/london-overground-lines-route-names-sadiq-khan-seb-dance-tfl-transport-for-london-b1102731.html |title=Project to name each London Overground line underway|last=Vickers |first=Noah |date=24 August 2023 |website=Evening Standard|location=London |access-date=15 February 2024 }}

In February 2024, TfL announced names for each of London Overground's routes, intended to celebrate events from London's history,{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2024/feb/15/london-overground-new-names-and-colours-for-six-lines-revealed |title=London Overground: new names and colours for six lines revealed |last=Topham |first=Gwyn |date=15 February 2024 |work=The Guardian|access-date=15 February 2024 }} and these new names took effect in November 2024.{{cite web|url=https://www.standard.co.uk/news/transport/london-overground-new-line-names-colours-stations-tfl-b1194893.html|title=London Overground: New names and colours to be revealed at stations today after £6.3million rebrand

|first=Ross|last=Lydall|website=London Standard|date=20 November 2024|accessdate=20 November 2024}}

• Lioness line (yellow parallel lines): Euston to Watford, including Wembley Central – intended to honour the England women's football team, including their win in UEFA Women's Euro 2022 at Wembley Stadium{{cite tweet|author=England Women's Football Team|author-link=England women's national football team|user=Lionesses|number=1758091219492647385|title=THE LIONESS LINE: The Euston to Watford Junction London Overground - which runs through Wembley - has been renamed to honour our historic #WEURO2022 win, achievements and lasting legacy.|date=15 February 2024}}
• Mildmay line (blue parallel lines): Stratford to Richmond/Clapham Junction – intended to honour the work of the Mildmay Mission Hospital, a charitable HIV hospital located in Shoreditch
• Windrush line (red parallel lines): Highbury & Islington to Clapham Junction/New Cross/Crystal Palace/West Croydon – intended to honour the Caribbean communities (particularly the "Windrush generation" of 1940s and 1950s arrivals, named after the ship HMT Empire Windrush) that the route runs through
• Weaver line (maroon parallel lines): Liverpool Street to Cheshunt/Enfield Town/Chingford – runs through parts of London known for the textile trade, especially the historic area of the Huguenot weavers
• Suffragette line (green parallel lines): Gospel Oak to Barking Riverside – runs to Barking, home of the longest lived women's suffragette, Annie Huggett
• Liberty line (grey parallel lines): Romford to Upminster – referencing the Royal Liberty of Havering, and the wider freedom that is a "defining feature of London"

Khan officially named the lines in a ceremony at Dalston Junction Station in November 2024.{{Cite web |date=2024-11-28 |title=London Overground lines named in ceremony in Dalston |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c9dl7ew6xqpo |access-date=2024-11-28 |website=BBC News |language=en-GB}}{{Cite web |title=London Overground rebrand goes live: Here are the new names and colours of the lines |url=https://news.sky.com/story/london-overground-rebrand-goes-live-here-are-the-new-names-and-colours-of-the-lines-13262211 |access-date=2024-11-28 |website=Sky News |language=en}} Now called Lioness, Mildmay, Windrush, Weaver, Suffragette, and Liberty, the lines are intended to reference London's diverse history and communities.{{Cite news |date=2024-02-18 |title=London Underground: How the Overground's new names were chosen |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-68315382 |access-date=2024-11-28 |work=BBC News |language=en-GB}}{{Cite web |last=Williams |first=Megan |date=2024-02-15 |title=How London Overground’s new names were chosen |url=https://www.creativereview.co.uk/tfl-london-overground-routes-naming-branding-dnco/ |access-date=2024-11-28 |website=Creative Review |language=en-UK}}

Passenger numbers have grown very quickly since the start of London Overground in 2007. There were big increases in 2010/11 and 2011/12 due to the opening of the extensions of the East London line and South London line. The transfer of some suburban services from Liverpool Street in May 2015 from the Greater Anglia franchise to London Overground also distorted numbers, contributing to a very large growth between 2014/15 and 2015/16.

File:LO - Passenger Numbers.png

File:Gospel Oak railway station MMB 13 378216.jpg with a North London line service to Stratford. Class 313 and Class 508 units were gradually phased out of London Overground services in favour of these units.]]

File:London Overground Train Interior.JPG

Since the London Overground took over from Silverlink, TfL has pursued a programme of rolling-stock replacement in order to remove from service the ageing second-generation EMUs and Class 150 DMUs it inherited from Silverlink. In 2009, Class 378 Capitalstars built by Bombardier's Derby Litchurch Lane Works were introduced on the electrified lines to replace the {{brc|313}} and {{brc|508}} units used previously, while the Class 150s were replaced by new Class 172 Turbostar units on the non-electrified Gospel Oak to Barking line. By October 2010, the new rolling stock had completely replaced the units previously operated by Silverlink.{{cite magazine|title=LOROL Class 150s all with FGW |author=Miles, Tony |magazine=Modern Railways |location =London |date=December 2010 |page=90}}{{cite web |url=http://www.icrs.org.uk/site/features/Focus%20on%20313s.htm |title=Focus on 313s |publisher=Inter City Railway Society |access-date=17 March 2013 |archive-date=18 March 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130318053739/http://www.icrs.org.uk/Site/Features/Focus%20on%20313s.htm |url-status=usurped }}{{cite web |url=http://www.railfaneurope.net/list/uk/uk_br_del2.html |title=BR withdrawn dc electric train sets |publisher=Railfaneurope.net |access-date=17 March 2013 |archive-date=25 January 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130125095731/http://www.railfaneurope.net/list/uk/uk_br_del2.html |url-status=live }} The Class 313 and 150s were cascaded to other train operating companies Southern, First Capital Connect and First Great Western. The Class 508 units were stored at Eastleigh Works but were subsequently scrapped in 2013 after being deemed unfit.

Before its closure to become part of the London Overground, services on the East London line were operated with London Underground A60 and A62 Stock.

The Class 378 trains were officially unveiled at {{stl|LUL|Willesden Junction}} on 13 July 2009. They include a number of tube-style features, including longitudinal seating and increased standing room to provide a high-capacity metro service. They also benefit from walk-through carriage interiors and air conditioning.{{cite web |url=http://londonist.com/2009/07/in_pictures_mayor_unveils_new_londo.php?gallery0Pic=2 |title=In Pictures: Mayor Unveils New London Overground Train |date=13 July 2009 |publisher=The Londonist |access-date=14 July 2009 |archive-date=18 July 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090718095031/http://londonist.com/2009/07/in_pictures_mayor_unveils_new_londo.php?gallery0Pic=2 |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |url=http://www.transportbriefing.co.uk/news/story?id=6056 |title=London Overground introduces Class 378 train fleet |date=13 July 2009 |work=Transport Briefing |access-date=14 July 2009 |archive-date=16 June 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110616080822/http://www.transportbriefing.co.uk/news/story?id=6056 |url-status=live }} The North London line has a base fleet of 24 four-car units, Class 378/2. However, these were delivered as three-car units (378/0), with the extended trains being introduced from September 2010, following platform extension works and delivery of the first 20 four-car units (378/1) for the East London line.{{cite press release |title=trains extended London Overground's electric train fleet |publisher=Transport for London |date=15 September 2010 |url=http://www.tfl.gov.uk/static/corporate/media/newscentre/archive/16672.html |access-date=9 December 2012 |archive-date=3 September 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120903102946/http://www.tfl.gov.uk/static/corporate/media/newscentre/archive/16672.html |url-status=live }} A further 13 dual-voltage units were delivered to expand services, taking the total fleet to 57 four-car units. These trains are to be extended to five-car sets towards the end of 2014, starting with the East London line sets.

The trains are leased from newly formed rolling stock company (ROSCO) QW Rail Leasing until 2027. TfL planned initially to buy the new fleet outright, but in February 2008 announced that it would lease the trains in order to free up the £250 million capital cost of purchase, combined with reducing the risk of making a loss through any future sell-on of the fleet.{{Cite press release |title= Transport for London signs new train leasing contract |publisher= Transport for London |date= 20 February 2008 |url= http://www.tfl.gov.uk/corporate/media/newscentre/archive/7525.aspx |access-date= 26 June 2011 |archive-date= 4 June 2011 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110604210434/http://www.tfl.gov.uk/corporate/media/newscentre/archive/7525.aspx |url-status= live }}

Eight two-car Class 172/0 units, leased from Angel Trains, entered service in 2010.{{Cite magazine|magazine=Modern Railways | location = London |issue=741 |date=July 2010}}{{full citation needed|date=July 2019}} At first their speed was restricted to {{convert|40|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} but the restriction was lifted when a test was found to be flawed.{{cite magazine|magazine=Modern Railways |page=75 |issue=743 |date=August 2010 |first=Tony |last=Miles |title=Class 172 ready for introduction |location=London}}

TfL invited expressions of interest for a total of 39 four-car EMUs in April 2014, with 30 required for the Lea Valley lines, eight for the Gospel Oak to Barking line, and one for the Romford–Upminster line {{ndash}} all to replace older Class 172, Class 315 and Class 317 trains.{{cite web |url=http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/passenger/single-view/view/more-emus-for-london-overground.html |title=More EMUs for London Overground |author= |date=9 April 2014 |website=Railway Gazette |access-date=9 April 2014 |archive-date=13 April 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140413182646/http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/passenger/single-view/view/more-emus-for-london-overground.html |url-status=live }} Since then the planned procurement was increased to 45 four-car EMUs, with the additional six units intended for the Watford DC line. In July 2015, TfL announced that it had placed a £260M order for 45 four-car Bombardier Aventra EMUs, with an option for 24 more, for use on the Lea Valley lines and the Watford DC line, Gospel Oak to Barking line and Romford–Upminster line from 2018. The type will be known as the {{brc|710}} and will be similar to the {{brc|345}} used by Crossrail.{{cite magazine|magazine=Rail Magazine|issue=778|page=14}} Nine further units were ordered in February 2018, split between an additional three Class 710/2 units for use on the extended Gospel Oak to Barking line, and six 5-car units to allow Class 378 units to be cascaded to strengthened East London line services.{{cite magazine |last1=Comfort |first1=Nick |date=April 2018 |title=Class 710 delivery delays push back introduction |magazine=Today's Railways |issue=196 |pages=73 }}

On 22 May 2019, TfL announced that approval had been gained for the Class 710s to enter passenger service. The first two units entered service on the Gospel Oak to Barking line on Thursday 23 May 2019 and the remaining six were in service by August 2019, with the first unit entering service on the Watford DC line on 9 September 2019. The first units on the Lea Valley lines entered service on 3 March 2020 after a first attempt on 24 February 2020.{{cite news |title=Bombardier Class 710/1s finally make their passenger debut on West Anglia suburban routes |url=https://www.railmagazine.com/news/network/bombardier-class-710/1s-finally-make-their-passenger-debut-at-liverpool-street |access-date=4 March 2020 |work=Rail |date=4 March 2020 |archive-date=13 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200313010214/https://www.railmagazine.com/news/network/bombardier-class-710/1s-finally-make-their-passenger-debut-at-liverpool-street |url-status=live }} Their use on Romford–Upminster line services began in October 2020.{{Cite web|url=https://tfl.gov.uk/info-for/media/press-releases/2019/may/new-london-overground-electric-trains-enter-servi|title=New London Overground electric trains enter service |website=Transport for London|access-date=22 May 2019|archive-date=13 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200813002300/https://tfl.gov.uk/info-for/media/press-releases/2019/may/new-london-overground-electric-trains-enter-servi|url-status=live}}

Former train types operated by London Overground include:

File:Watford Junction railway station MMB 27 378210.jpg upholstery]]

File:378150 at Clapham Junction.jpg

All Capitalstar and Aventra stock in service now carries Overground livery. It is similar to Underground livery, and consists of white and black coaches, a longitudinal thick blue stripe and a thin orange stripe along the bottom, London Overground roundels at midpoints along the coaches, black window-surrounds and orange doors. The ends of each Class 378 unit are painted yellow to comply with the National Rail standards that existed when the first wave of new trains began to enter service in 2009. However, Class 710 units do not have this as they were introduced into service after new standards released by the RSSB since most trains now have European-styled headlights allowing for better visibility from afar, unlike before when they needed the yellow fronts for visibility.{{cite web|title=London Overground Train Graphics Standard – Issue 2|url=http://content.tfl.gov.uk/overground-train-graphics-standard.pdf|publisher=Transport for London|access-date=25 October 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150502143905/http://tfl.gov.uk/cdn/static/cms/documents/overground-train-graphics-standard.pdf|archive-date=2 May 2015|page=89|date=January 2009|url-status=live}} The seat upholstery features a moquette by fabric designers Wallace Sewell.{{Cite news |title= London Transport Museum – our moquette range |work=London Transport Museum |url= http://www.ltmuseumshop.co.uk/ltm/furniture-collection/our-moquette-range.html |access-date=10 July 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110717175851/http://www.ltmuseumshop.co.uk/LTM/Furniture-collection/Our-moquette-range.html|archive-date=17 July 2011|url-status=dead}}

As railway lines have been transferred to London Overground operation, services are sometimes operated using rolling stock inherited from the previous train operating company, and for a temporary period these trains have been branded with transitional livery until they are replaced with newer rolling stock. When the first London Overground services began, they were operated using Silverlink rolling stock which retained Silverlink's purple and lime green livery with yellow doors. The Silverlink logos were removed and Overground banners were added. This rolling stock was eventually completely replaced with new, Overground-branded trains.

Similarly, since the takeover of the Lea Valley lines, Overground services are being run with trains inherited from Abellio Greater Anglia which are mostly in a plain white livery with red doors. Prior to replacement of this rolling stock, the trains were repainted with full Overground livery and the interiors refurbished with Wallace Sewell upholstery and TfL standard signage and route maps.{{citation needed|date=May 2022}}

In June 2018, London Overground unveiled its first complete Class 710 unit, complete with a newly designed livery and moquette.{{cite news |url=https://www.railjournal.com/rolling-stock/tfl-unveils-class-710-emus-for-london-overground/ |title=TfL unveils class 710 EMUs for London Overground |last=Burroughs |first=David |date=20 June 2018 |website=International Railway Journal |access-date=18 November 2018 |archive-date=19 November 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181119011107/https://www.railjournal.com/rolling-stock/tfl-unveils-class-710-emus-for-london-overground/ |url-status=live }} In October, it then began a programme to refresh the Class 378 fleet, giving them a livery designed to appear similar to the one designed for the Class 710.{{cite magazine |last1=Christie |first1=Tony |date=December 2018 |title=Stock Changes |magazine=Today's Railways |issue=204 |pages=75 }}

{{Main|Gospel Oak to Barking line}}

It was announced in June 2013 that £115 million of funding for electrification was being made available as part of upgrades to rail infrastructure included in the government's 2013 spending round.{{cite web|url=https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/209279/PU1524_IUK_new_template.pdf|title=Investing in Britain's future|page=26|publisher=The Stationery Office|author=HM Treasury|author-link=HM Treasury|date=June 2013|access-date=26 June 2012|archive-date=3 September 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130903072347/https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/209279/PU1524_IUK_new_template.pdf|url-status=live}} At the same time Transport for London announced that they had obtained a £90 million commitment from the Chancellor of the Exchequer and the Secretary of State for Transport.{{cite web|url=http://www.london.gov.uk/media/mayor-press-releases/2013/06/mayor-secures-unprecedented-transport-settlement-for-london-to |title=Mayor secures 'unprecedented' transport settlement for London to support long-term economic growth |date=26 June 2013 |publisher=Greater London Authority |access-date=17 July 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130630205659/http://www.london.gov.uk/media/mayor-press-releases/2013/06/mayor-secures-unprecedented-transport-settlement-for-london-to |archive-date=30 June 2013 }}

In September 2015, Network Rail awarded the £56.9m contract to electrify the line to J. Murphy & Sons.{{cite magazine |url=http://www.railtechnologymagazine.com/Rail-News/j-murphy-sons-to-carry-out-electrification-of-gospel-oak-barking-route |title=J Murphy & Sons to carry out electrification of Gospel Oak-Barking route |magazine=Rail Technology Magazine |date=29 September 2015 |access-date=20 March 2017 |archive-date=14 February 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170214224505/http://www.railtechnologymagazine.com/Rail-News/j-murphy-sons-to-carry-out-electrification-of-gospel-oak-barking-route |url-status=live }} Part closures (on weekends and from South Tottenham to Barking) were planned from June to late September 2016, followed by a full closure from October to February 2017,{{cite web |url=https://tfl.gov.uk/status-updates/major-works-and-events/london-overground-closure |title=London Overground closure |access-date=21 January 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170122014332/https://tfl.gov.uk/status-updates/major-works-and-events/london-overground-closure |archive-date=22 January 2017 |url-status=dead }} and further evening and weekend works until late June 2017, and finally around four months of further work to add the wires so that electric Class 710 trains can run from early 2018.{{cite magazine|url= http://www.railtechnologymagazine.com/Rail-News/tfl-tries-to-reduce-line-closure-time-for-goblin-electrification|title= TfL tries to reduce line-closure time for GOBLIN electrification|magazine= Rail Technology Magazine|date= 2 February 2016|access-date= 17 March 2016|archive-date= 12 December 2016|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20161212102010/http://www.railtechnologymagazine.com/Rail-News/tfl-tries-to-reduce-line-closure-time-for-goblin-electrification|url-status= live}} The line was to be electrified using the NR Series 2 OLE range.{{cite web|url=https://www.networkrail.co.uk/publications/documents/CP5-Enhancements-Delivery-Plan-June-15.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160326212503/http://www.networkrail.co.uk/publications/documents/CP5-Enhancements-Delivery-Plan-June-15.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-date=26 March 2016 |title=CP5 Enhancements Delivery Plan June 2015 |date=June 2015 |publisher=Network Rail |access-date=21 January 2016 }}

It was announced as part of the 2014 United Kingdom budget that the Gospel Oak to Barking line would be extended to Barking Riverside station.{{cite web |author=Freddy Mayhew |date=19 March 2014 |title=Budget 2014: Commitment to Overground extension to Barking Riverside announced alongside funding for new homes |url=http://www.barkinganddagenhampost.co.uk/news/budget_2014_commitment_to_overground_extension_to_barking_riverside_announced_alongside_funding_for_new_homes_1_3454510 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141225122547/http://www.barkinganddagenhampost.co.uk/news/budget_2014_commitment_to_overground_extension_to_barking_riverside_announced_alongside_funding_for_new_homes_1_3454510 |archive-date=25 December 2014 |access-date=29 December 2014 |work=Barking and Dagenham Post}} £263 million was to be spent to extend the line to the brownfield 10,800-home Barking Riverside housing development, which Barking and Dagenham Council did not believe to be viable without improved transport connections. The developers of the site, Barking Riverside Limited, would provide £172{{nbsp}}million towards the project, with the remainder coming from Transport for London.{{cite news |title=London Overground Barking Riverside extension approved |newspaper=International Railway Journal |url=http://www.railjournal.com/index.php/commuter-rail/london-overground-barking-riverside-extension-approved.html?channel=641 |url-status=live |access-date=17 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160322144528/http://www.railjournal.com/index.php/commuter-rail/london-overground-barking-riverside-extension-approved.html?channel=641 |archive-date=22 March 2016}} Construction started in 2017 and was planned to be completed by 2021. London Overground services started running to Barking Riverside on 18 July 2022.

File:London Underground Overground DLR Crossrail map night.svg and London Overground Night Service]]

London Overground began running 24-hour trains on Friday and Saturday nights, similar to the Night Tube of London Underground, between Dalston Junction and New Cross Gate from 15 December 2017.{{cite news |last1=Busby |first1=Mattha |date=15 December 2017 |title=London Overground goes 24-hour, joining night tube |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2017/dec/15/london-overground-goes-24-hour-joining-night-tube |url-status=live |access-date=29 December 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171229112834/https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2017/dec/15/london-overground-goes-24-hour-joining-night-tube |archive-date=29 December 2017}} In February 2018 the service was extended to Highbury & Islington, which interchanges with overnight services of the Victoria line.{{Cite web |title=London Overground Night Service |url=https://tfl.gov.uk/modes/london-overground/london-overground-night-service |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180223122000/https://tfl.gov.uk/modes/london-overground/london-overground-night-service |archive-date=23 February 2018 |access-date=13 February 2018 |website=Transport for London}}{{cite press release |title=London Overground to run a 24-hour service just like the Night Tube |url=http://metro.co.uk/2017/07/03/london-overground-to-run-a-24-hour-service-just-like-the-night-tube-6751064/ |access-date=4 June 2017 |publisher=Metro |date=3 June 2017 |archive-date=6 July 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170706130143/http://metro.co.uk/2017/07/03/london-overground-to-run-a-24-hour-service-just-like-the-night-tube-6751064/ |url-status=live}}

File:Overground second.png

In 2007, TfL proposed re-extending the Bakerloo line to {{Stnlnk|Watford Junction}}.{{cite web | title = Scenario Testing for the Further Alterations to the London Plan | publisher=Greater London Authority |date=March 2006 | url = http://www.london.gov.uk/mayor/strategies/sds/further-alts/docs/scenarios.pdf | access-date =19 June 2007 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070930205224/http://www.london.gov.uk/mayor/strategies/sds/further-alts/docs/scenarios.pdf |archive-date = 30 September 2007 |page=16}} It was suggested that most or all of the line from {{stl|LUL|Queen's Park}} to Watford Junction would be used exclusively by the London Underground; London Overground services would be withdrawn.

As part of this change, Overground services would have been diverted at Primrose Hill Junction via {{Stnlnk|Primrose Hill}} (closed to passengers since 1992) to {{Stnlnk|Camden Road}}, providing a new service between Queen's Park and Stratford.{{cite web |url=http://www.alwaystouchout.com/project/3 |title=East London Line Extensions |date=9 November 2006 |publisher=alwaystouchout.com |access-date=4 February 2011 |archive-date=30 April 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090430195336/http://www.alwaystouchout.com/project/3 |url-status=live }} Had this change taken place, {{Stnlnk|Kilburn High Road}} and {{Stnlnk|South Hampstead}} would no longer have had direct services to Euston station, hindering access to central London.

The official Croxley Rail document states, "Bakerloo Line extension to Watford Unlikely" and "TfL’s plans to extend the Bakerloo Line to Watford Junction are on hold indefinitely due to funding and business case constraints".{{cite web |url=http://www.croxleyraillink.com/media/30037/croxley%20rail%20link%20value%20for%20money%20annex.pdf |title=Croxly Rail Link – Value for Money Annex Report September 2011 |access-date=20 March 2017 |archive-date=23 September 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150923211344/http://www.croxleyraillink.com/media/30037/croxley%20rail%20link%20value%20for%20money%20annex.pdf |url-status=live }}

Plans were approved in 2011 for the Croxley Rail Link, diverting the Watford branch of London Underground's Metropolitan line to Watford Junction via {{Stnlnk|Watford High Street}}, where it would share tracks with the Overground.{{cite news |first=Adam |last=Binnie |title=Croxley Rail Link plan approved by Government |url=http://www.watfordobserver.co.uk/news/9417151.Croxley_Rail_Link_plan_approved_by_Government/ |work=Watford Observer |date=13 December 2011 |access-date=9 December 2012 |archive-date=5 August 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130805232359/http://www.watfordobserver.co.uk/news/9417151.Croxley_Rail_Link_plan_approved_by_Government/ |url-status=live }} However, in early 2017 this scheme was paused due to funding issues.{{Cite web|url=http://www.watfordobserver.co.uk/news/15047214.UPDATE__Met_Line_extension__Mayor_confirms_work_has_stopped/|title=UPDATE: Met Line extension: Mayor confirms work has stopped|website=Watford Observer|date=25 January 2017 |access-date=4 July 2017|archive-date=8 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180808153934/http://www.watfordobserver.co.uk/news/15047214.UPDATE__Met_Line_extension__Mayor_confirms_work_has_stopped/|url-status=live}}

File:Willesden Junction map with Old Oak Common.png

A long-term plan exists to create an interchange with High Speed 2 at the proposed Old Oak Common station. Planning documents issued by the DfT suggest that the new station, on a site just south of {{stl|LUL|Willesden Junction}}, could open by 2025 and offer connections with the Overground on both the North London and West London lines.

The station would also be served by Crossrail, Great Western Main Line services and the proposals indicate the possibility of interchange with the Bakerloo and Central lines.{{cite web |url=http://www.tfl.gov.uk/assets/downloads/Item04-High-Speed-2-Update.pdf |title=Update on High Speed 2 |publisher=Transport for London |access-date=9 December 2012}} The plans are supported by the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham.{{cite web |title=Old Oak Common: The Transport and Regeneration Case for a HS2 Interchange |url=http://www.lbhf.gov.uk/Images/Old_Oak_Common_FINAL_tcm21-135272.pdf |publisher=London Borough of Hammersmith & Fulham |access-date=28 May 2010 |date=December 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110608195530/http://www.lbhf.gov.uk/Images/Old_Oak_Common_FINAL_tcm21-135272.pdf |archive-date=8 June 2011 }}

In June 2013, the Mayor of London and the London Boroughs of Brent, Ealing and Hammersmith & Fulham released 'vision' consultation documents{{cite web|url=http://www.london.gov.uk/priorities/planning/publications/park-royal-planning-framework|archive-url=http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20140311003302/http://www.london.gov.uk/priorities/planning/publications/park-royal-planning-framework|url-status=dead|archive-date=11 March 2014|title=Old Oak Common (Park Royal/ Willesden Junction)|website=nationalarchives.gov.uk}} about the Old Oak Common area. These documents mention various connections to the London Overground system, linking Old Oak to the North London line, West London line, and to two new London Overground branches, to Hounslow, and – via the Dudding Hill line – to Thameslink stations on the Midland Main Line.

In October 2017, TfL began a public consultation on the construction of two new Overground stations, {{rws|Hythe Road}} on the West London line and {{rws|Old Oak Common Lane}} on the North London line. If built, these stations would provide interchange between London Overground and Old Oak Common station.{{cite news|title=First glimpse of how two new London Overground stations could look|url=https://www.standard.co.uk/news/transport/first-glimpse-of-how-two-new-london-overground-stations-could-look-a3685641.html?shell=false|access-date=20 November 2017|work=Evening Standard|location=London|archive-date=1 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201041208/https://www.standard.co.uk/news/transport/first-glimpse-of-how-two-new-london-overground-stations-could-look-a3685641.html?shell=false|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=Have your say on two potential new London Overground stations at Old Oak|url=https://consultations.tfl.gov.uk/london-overground/old-oak-common/?cid=old-oak-common|website=TfL Consultation Hub|access-date=20 November 2017|archive-date=2 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190802120147/https://consultations.tfl.gov.uk/london-overground/old-oak-common/?cid=old-oak-common|url-status=live}}

In addition to the plan to extend the Gospel Oak to Barking line to Barking Riverside, there are also proposals to extend it further under the River Thames to a station in Thamesmead, and then on Abbey Wood to connect with the Elizabeth line.{{cite news |title=Call to bring London Overground to Thamesmead – south east London's largest town with no trains |url=http://www.thisislocallondon.co.uk/news/11488390.display/ |work=This is London Local |date=22 September 2014 |access-date=10 October 2015 |archive-date=8 December 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151208161539/http://www.thisislocallondon.co.uk/news/11488390.display/ |url-status=live }}

Transport for London has confirmed that the Mayor has asked them to look at both the Overground extension from Barking Riverside and a DLR extension, for connecting to Thamesmead.{{cite news |title=New river crossings for London |url=https://tfl.gov.uk/corporate/about-tfl/how-we-work/planning-for-the-future/new-river-crossings-for-london |work=TfL website |date=3 January 2019 |access-date=3 January 2019 |archive-date=4 January 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190104072757/https://tfl.gov.uk/corporate/about-tfl/how-we-work/planning-for-the-future/new-river-crossings-for-london |url-status=live }}

In February 2024, a public consultation began on a DLR extension to Thamesmead from Gallions Reach, which had been favoured over the previous London Overground proposal due to cost and service frequency.{{Cite web |date=13 February 2024 |title=Other options we considered - supplementary information |url=https://haveyoursay.tfl.gov.uk/dlr-extension/news_feed/appendix-b |access-date=21 February 2024 |website=Transport for London}}

Following the completion of the first phase of the London Overground network in December 2012, TfL has expressed its intention to take over the operation of other suburban lines in the London area. As with the original London Overground system, this would involve devolving National Rail services from the DfT's franchising system to a TfL-managed concession.

On 21 January 2016, it was announced consideration was being given to the possibility of gradually transferring the suburban services operated by Southeastern, South West Trains and Govia Thameslink Railway (Great Northern and Southern) to TfL to create a London Suburban Metro.{{Cite web |url=https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/493754/dft-tfl-rail-prospectus.pdf |title=A new approach to rail passenger services in London and the South East |access-date=12 February 2021 |work=Transport for London |archive-date=28 January 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160128225737/https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/493754/dft-tfl-rail-prospectus.pdf |url-status=live }}

In 2012–13, TfL and the Greater London Authority publicised a proposal for further expansion, identifying a number of services in North-East and South-East London as suitable candidates.{{cite web |title=The Mayor's Rail Vision |url= http://www.london.gov.uk/sites/default/files/mayors-rail-vision-2012-final.pdf |publisher=Greater London Authority |access-date=23 May 2013 |date=February 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130926224030/http://www.london.gov.uk/sites/default/files/mayors-rail-vision-2012-final.pdf|archive-date=26 September 2013 |url-status=live}}{{cite web |title=Expanding TfL's rail network |url= http://www.tfl.gov.uk/corporate/projectsandschemes/27147.aspx |publisher=TfL |access-date=23 May 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140122184603/http://www.tfl.gov.uk/corporate/projectsandschemes/27147.aspx|archive-date=22 January 2014|url-status=dead}}{{cite news |last=Waterson |first=James |title=TfL hopes to push Overground onto key suburban rail routes |url=http://www.cityam.com/latest-news/tfl-hopes-push-overground-key-suburban-rail-routes |access-date=23 December 2012 |newspaper=City A.M. |date=29 November 2012 |location=London |archive-date=17 June 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130617131830/http://www.cityam.com/latest-news/tfl-hopes-push-overground-key-suburban-rail-routes |url-status=live }} Part of this proposal was fulfilled in May 2015 with the transfer of the Lea Valley and Romford-Upminster Lines out of {{stnlnk|Liverpool Street}} to the London Overground network, but TfL's aim of acquiring Southeastern metro services currently remains at the proposal stage. Under this scheme, TfL would take over rail services out of {{stnlnk|London Victoria}}, {{stnlnk|Charing Cross}} and {{stnlnk|Cannon Street}} to {{stnlnk|Dartford}}, {{stnlnk|Sevenoaks}}, {{stnlnk|Orpington}} and {{stnlnk|Hayes}}, but this was rejected following spending cuts imposed by the 2013 United Kingdom budget.{{cite news |title= London's major transport projects spared axe but City Hall faces big cuts |url= https://www.standard.co.uk/news/politics/londons-major-transport-projects-spared-axe-but-city-hall-faces-big-cuts-8674994.html |access-date= 26 June 2013 |newspaper= Evening Standard|location=London |date= 26 June 2013 |archive-date= 30 June 2013 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130630072459/http://www.standard.co.uk/news/politics/londons-major-transport-projects-spared-axe-but-city-hall-faces-big-cuts-8674994.html |url-status= live }} The possibility of TfL acquiring routes out of London Bridge has also been discussed.

In October 2015, the prospect of London Overground expansion was raised again when the London Assembly Transport Committee published a report which advocated the devolution of a number of commuter rail services and the creation of a "South London Metro". In particular, the report identified four rail franchises due for renewal which could be taken over by TfL:{{cite web|title=Devolving Rail Services to London: Towards a South London Metro|url=https://www.london.gov.uk/sites/default/files/Devolving%20rail%20services%20to%20London_0.pdf|publisher=London Assembly Transport Committee|access-date=24 October 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151024153152/https://www.london.gov.uk/sites/default/files/Devolving%20rail%20services%20to%20London_0.pdf|archive-date=24 October 2015|date=October 2015}}{{cite web|last1=Bull|first1=John|title=Devocalypse Now: Taking Control of South London's Railways|url=http://www.londonreconnections.com/2015/devocalypse-now-taking-control-of-south-londons-railways/|website=London Reconnections|date=16 October 2015 |access-date=24 October 2015|archive-date=20 October 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151020011950/http://www.londonreconnections.com/2015/devocalypse-now-taking-control-of-south-londons-railways/|url-status=live}}

• the South Western franchise from {{stn|London Waterloo}} to South West London suburbs
• the Thameslink, Southern and Great Northern franchise (Great Northern and Southern metro services) out of {{stn|Moorgate}} to North London and out of London Bridge/Victoria to South London suburbs
• the Integrated Kent franchise (Southeastern metro services) out of Victoria/Charing Cross/Cannon Street/London Bridge to South East London suburbs

Kent County Council had initially expressed opposition to the Dartford route plans on account of limited capacity for Kent express trains being lost to expanded TfL services.{{cite news |title=TfL's takeover proposal for Kent trains 'unacceptable' |date=19 April 2013 |url= https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-kent-22218388 |access-date=23 May 2013 |publisher=BBC News |archive-date=27 May 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130527072855/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-kent-22218388 |url-status=live }} However, after negotiations with the London Assembly, the council reached an agreement to support the proposals.{{cite news |title=TfL could take over some Kent rail lines |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-kent-33131954 |access-date=26 June 2015 |publisher=BBC News |date=15 June 2015 |archive-date=18 June 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150618043321/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-kent-33131954 |url-status=live }}

The Department for Transport has proposed that Transport for London should take over the Greenford to West Ealing line in West London. This would bring Greenford, {{rws|South Greenford}}, {{rws|Castle Bar Park}}, {{rws|Drayton Green}} and {{rws|West Ealing}} into the Overground network. Trains on this branch used to run directly to Paddington, but were curtailed at West Ealing in order to free up line capacity for the forthcoming Crossrail services, with West Ealing reconstructed to allow Greenford branch trains to terminate there. If this proposal were to go ahead, it would happen when the Greater Western franchise ends in 2023.{{cite news |url= http://www.londonreconnections.com/2013/price-oranges-dft-ask-tfl-take-greenford-upminster/ |title= The Price of Oranges: DfT ask TfL to take on Greenford and Upminster |work= London Reconnections |access-date= 3 May 2014 |archive-date= 3 May 2014 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140503125104/http://www.londonreconnections.com/2013/price-oranges-dft-ask-tfl-take-greenford-upminster/ |url-status= live }}

File:West London Orbital Route Map.png]]

{{main|West London Orbital}}

Proposals to reopen the Dudding Hill line to passenger services as part of the London Overground have been mooted for several years. In June 2019, TfL published a report examining the possibility of opening the line as a London Overground branch line connecting Hounslow with Cricklewood and Hendon, with stations at {{rws|Harlesden}}, Lionel Road, {{rws|Hythe Road}}, {{stl|LUL|Neasden}} and {{rws|Brent Cross}}.{{cite report|url=http://content.tfl.gov.uk/west-london-orbital-strategic-outline-business-case.pdf |title=West London Orbital – Strategic Outline Business Case|publisher=Transport for London|access-date=25 July 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190725161421/http://content.tfl.gov.uk/west-london-orbital-strategic-outline-business-case.pdf |archive-date=25 July 2019 |date=June 2019|url-status=live}}

In 2017 it was reported that a system is being trialled at Shoreditch High Street station that indicates the crowding in each train carriage. The technology, already in use on Thameslink trains, helps passengers find the least crowded carriage when boarding a train and should reduce dwell times at stations. If the trial is successful, it will be rolled out across the London Overground network.{{Cite news |url=http://www.citymetric.com/transport/london-overground-experimenting-telling-passengers-which-bits-next-train-busiest-3410 |title=London Overground is experimenting with telling passengers which bits of the next train is busiest |first=Jonn |last=Elledge |date=17 October 2017 |website=CityMetric |location=London |access-date=29 October 2017 |archive-date=29 October 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171029173957/http://www.citymetric.com/transport/london-overground-experimenting-telling-passengers-which-bits-next-train-busiest-3410 |url-status=live }}

{{Portal|London transport}}

• Overground Network
• Orbirail
• Tramlink
• London Buses
• East London Transit
• Cycling in London
• Urban rail in the United Kingdom

{{Reflist}}

• Asher, Wayne (2015). A Very Political Railway – the rescue of the North London Line. {{ISBN|978-1-85414-378-5}}
• Glover, John (2013). London's Overground. {{ISBN|978-0-7110-3524-9}}

{{Commons category}}

• {{Official website}}

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{{s-bef|before=Silverlink
North London Railways franchise
before 2007{{nbsp}}}}

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{{Transport in London}}

{{Future UK TOCs|state=collapsed}}

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Category:London Rail

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Category:2007 in London

Category:Croydon 2020

Category:Electric railways in the United Kingdom

Overground

Category:Rail infrastructure in London

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