Company Overview
First Rail London (FRL) is the train operating company responsible for running the London Overground network under a concession agreement with Transport for London (TfL). The concession began in May 2026.
First Rail London will focus on running a safe, reliable and customer focused London Overground by adding more peak time and frequent services, improving safety, investing in people and technology to boost reliability and customer information, working closely with TfL to maintain high performance, upgrading key parts of the network, and continuing to improve accessibility for all.
First Rail London is part of FirstGroup plc. FirstGroup is one of the UK's largest private sector public transport operators, with around 30,000 employees, serving nearly 2 million passengers daily. FirstGroup operates bus, rail, coach, tram, and cable car services, connecting communities and supporting wider economic, social, and environmental objectives.
About London Overground
The London Overground is a suburban network of rail services managed by TfL in the Capital. It was launched in 2007 to provide better connections between areas outside of central London. FRL operates these services on behalf of TfL.
Following the completion of the link between Clapham Junction and Surrey Quays, 30 per cent of all Londoners are less than a 15-minute walk from an Overground station.
There are six routes, which were named in February 2024:
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WindrushHighbury & Islington to New Cross, Clapham Junction, Crystal Palace and West Croydon
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MildmayRichmond and Clapham Junction to Stratford
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SuffragetteGospel Oak to Barking Riverside
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LionessWatford Junction to Euston
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WeaverLiverpool Street to Enfield Town, Cheshunt and Chingford
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LibertyRomford to Upminster