The London Overground network was launched in 2007 when TfL took over four under-used suburban railway lines, and has grown to cover 100 miles of railway, serving 113 stations and all nine London fare zones.
TfL admitted that the current set-up had “become represented by a spaghetti of orange on the Tube maps”, with research showing that some customers find the network confusing.
The rebranding process is expected to be completed by the end of the year, including an updated Tube map and refreshed London Overground network map. The existing orange roundel will continue to be used to signify the Overground network as a whole.
The move follows the creation of a new Superloop bus network last year, which aims to add over four million extra kilometres to the bus network in outer London.
Commenting on the news Andy Lord, London’s transport commissioner, said:
“The London Overground is one of the most successful railways in the country and has grown to carry more than three million customers a week.
“The network, which has grown quite considerably since 2007, is currently shown as a complicated network of orange on route maps.
“This can be confusing for customers less familiar with the network and could be a barrier for some wanting to use the London Overground.
“These new names and line colours will simplify the maps and routes for our customers, and it is hoped it will encourage more people to make the most of our services. It is also a great way to tell the stories of some important parts of London’s cultural diversity.”