Request ID: FOI-0330-2425 Date published: 15 May 2024
You asked
In relation to the renaming of the Overground lines:
What was the overall cost of this project?
Could you provide a breakdown of the process of renaming, from conception, to consultation to the final decision, including details of the deacon-makers in each stage of the process.
Could you please provide a list of groups consulted on the new names, with a breakdown, if possible of which groups (charities, historians etc) were consulted.
Could this be broken down by which group consulted on which line, if possible.
Were consultees presented with a list of pre-prepared names for each line, from which to choose from, or did they help devise the names? Please set out the process
Could you please provide equality impact assessments produced for each line's renaming.
The terms of reference for the project including the need for "Supporting systemic change!
Can you please provide any policies documents, or internal guidance, on how this was to be achieved by renaming lines?
Could you please provide a list of the alternative names presented at any stage of the process, which were not in the end used?
We answered
Our Ref: FOI-0330-2425
Thank you for your request received on 29 April 2024 asking for information about the renaming of the London Overground.
Your request has been considered in accordance with the requirements of the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act and our information access policy. I can confirm that we hold some of the information you require.
When naming the London Overground lines, the aim was to develop the names in a collaborative and inclusive way, and use this as an opportunity to celebrate London, its diversity and culture, ensuring that more Londoners feel connected to the transport network they use every day. Therefore, it was integral that we engaged with communities as part of this project, as opposed to naming the lines internally.
Stakeholders, customers, historians, industry experts and communities played a key role in informing the new names through independent engagement which took place ahead of the decision on the final six names. This was key as London’s diverse history and culture has always played a significant role in shaping the city, and we wanted the names to reflect London's diverse culture and communities.
Making the network easier to navigate and more inclusive is a priority for both us and the Mayor. Naming the six routes of the London Overground aims to give customers, especially those unfamiliar with the network, more confidence to travel around London. Removing this barrier to travel could see more people choosing to travel sustainably, which would benefit the whole city.
We will be running an extensive campaign over the summer to help customers get familiar with the names. We have also enhanced our signage & and wayfinding standards, so that signs include the line names and colour along with the London Overground roundel.
More information about the renaming can be found on our website:
• What was the overall cost of this project? • Could you provide a breakdown of the process of renaming, from conception, to consultation to the final decision, including details of the deacon-makers in each stage of the process.
This information was provided in response to a recent FOI request:
Under section 21 of the Freedom of Information Act, we are not obliged to provide you with information which is reasonably accessible by other means.
• Could you please provide a list of groups consulted on the new names, with a breakdown, if possible of which groups (charities, historians etc) were consulted. • Could this be broken down by which group consulted on which line, if possible. • Were consultees presented with a list of pre-prepared names for each line, from which to choose from, or did they help devise the names? Please set out the process • Could you please provide equality impact assessments produced for each line's renaming. • Could you please provide a list of the alternative names presented at any stage of the process, which were not in the end used?
In accordance with the FOI Act, we are not obliged to supply the requested information as it is subject to a statutory exemption to the right of access to information under section 22 of the Act. In this instance the exemption has been applied as the information you have requested is intended for future publication in the autumn.
This exemption is subject to a public interest test, which requires us to assess whether the public interest in applying the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosure. In this instance, it is considered that the public interest favours the publication of this information, in context and according to the pre-determined schedule, rather than in response to your request, to ensure the information is provided accurately and in an accessible manner.
• The terms of reference for the project including the need for "Supporting systemic change! o Can you please provide any policies documents, or internal guidance, on how this was to be achieved by renaming lines?
We do not hold a Terms of Reference document or any policies specific to the London Overground renaming project.
If this is not the information you are looking for, or if you are unable to access it for any reason, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Please see the attached information sheet for details of your right to appeal.
Yours sincerely
Gemma Jacob Senior FOI Case Officer FOI Case Management Team General Counsel Transport for London
