London Overground stations are getting more trains as lines improve

Transport for London (TfL) said customers can expect increased frequency and capacity on the Overground and bus network. This is possible thanks to improvements to an ‘upgraded’ rail line and bus station in east London.

The changes are outlined in a report by TfL commissioner Andy Lord to the authority’s board. They were due to meet on Wednesday (June 12).

The papers state: “We are delivering a range of improvements to the East London line on London Overground (Highbury and Islington to New Cross/ Clapham Junction/Crystal Palace/ West Croydon), enabling us to increase train frequency and support growth and regeneration in the area local These works are fully funded by third parties At Surrey Quays station piling works on platform 2 are now complete and we have started the installation of drainage and platform superstructure.

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“On platform 1, the installation of the platform superstructure started over the Easter period, and work to support the signaling took place. The works remain on track for completion at the beginning of 2026”.

The report adds: “As part of the improvement program, we also upgraded the Canada Water bus station to increase capacity and improve amenities for colleagues and customers. The bus station was closed on 4 March 2024 to allow construction work to be completed. We completed these works and reopened the bus station to the public in April.”

Schedule changes are coming

It comes after London mayor and TfL chairman Sadiq Khan said the authority plans to change its Overground timetable later this year so a “more consistent” service can be provided at peak times. This is in an effort to reduce the level of congestion currently experienced on “heavy loaded” trains.

The routes raised by Labor London Assembly MP Joanne McCartney are on the line between Enfield Town and Cheshunt, with a proposed shuttle from the former to Seven Sisters – which also offers London Underground services. The Mayor told the London Assembly in January: “Transport for London (TfL) plans to amend the timetable in December 2024 to provide a more even service interval across the Seven Sisters at peak times.”

He added: “This will allow for a more even spread of usage between each service, reducing the level of congestion currently experienced on the busiest services.

“TfL believes this will be a sustainable solution but will keep the situation under review. This change cannot be made before December 2024 as it depends on other timetable changes on the affected routes which will not be implemented until then.

“The provision of additional off-peak services between Enfield Town/Cheshunt and Liverpool Street remains an objective for TfL. Further work is required to determine how these can be incorporated into the new timetable structure which will apply from December 2024.

“This will include consideration of platform agreements at Liverpool Street with our industry partners in accordance with the Network Code.”

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