Features

TfL run services between Richmond and Stratford, Willesden Junction and Clapham Junction via Kensington Olympia, the Gospel Oak to Barking line as well as the local line between Euston and Watford Junction.

Initially you probably won't notice much of a change. However TfL has promised a number of improvements to the suburban services in North London.

What has changed is that every station is staffed bringing extra security for passengers.

You are now able to use Oyster pay-as-you-go cards, making London Overground the first mainline railway to accept pre-pay. Fares will be set by the Mayor.

Over the coming months, TfL has promised to refurbish trains and the 50 stations on the network and install ticket gates.

New Trains

By 2009 the Overground says it will introduce 24 new trains to the network featuring air-conditioning, wider seats, wheelchair bays and improved accessibility.

There will be 44 new trains in total operating on London Overground by 2010, including the services on the new East London Railway.

Stations have already started to receive a facelift. If you are a regular user of West Hampstead station you would have noticed a new ticket hall, with London Overground machines and oyster compatible gates.

The Bigger Picture

London Overground is the start of a major overhaul for rail travel across North and East London.

While services in North London will have upgraded trains and stations, the Overground will also be made up of an entirely new service to the East, with a long extension of the East London line.

The current East London line is closed and will reopen in 2010 as the East London Railway running between West Croydon and Dalston.