Fifth anniversary for London Overground

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London Overground is celebrating its fifth birthday today (November 12) just weeks before the completion of the new orbital railway.

In 2006, the Department for Transport (DfT) announced that Transport for London (TfL) was to take over management of Silverlink Metro services around the capital.

The following year the London Overground was unveiled under the tagline “London’s new train set”.

More than 100 million journeys are now made each year on the network.

Early next month, a final link in the network from Clapham Junction to Surrey Quays will be completed to make London Overground’s orbital network complete.

The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, said: “From its rebirth, London Overground has become a shining example of how railways should be run.

“Londoners have flocked to the capital’s new service, enjoying the improved standards and connections it provides.

London Overground’s first five years have seen meteoric growth in both the railway network and passenger numbers.

“The network will soon orbit our city, bringing a fast and frequent metro like service to thousands and dramatically improving transport options in southeast London.”

TfL’s chief operating officer for London Rail, Howard Smith, said: “London Overground’s first five years have seen meteoric growth in both the railway network and passenger numbers.

“We’ve extended the Overground to West Croydon and Crystal Palace, we’ve linked Dalston Junction to Highbury & Islington and soon we’ll cross south London to the major rail gateway of Clapham Junction.

“In short, London Overground is a perfect example of how – if you put passengers at the centre of everything you do – they will use the services you offer.”

Steve Murphy, managing director of London Overground Rail Operations Ltd (LOROL), the company which operatres services on the Overground network, said: “LOROL’s challenge over the last five years has been to create a world-class transport system for London from one which had suffered significant neglect.

“We have met this challenge head-on and created a network that now provides London rail passengers with safe, reliable, welcoming and value for money services at all times.”

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