London's Night Overground services will resume next month in time for London's festive celebrations.
The services link key areas in the city's night-time economy, such as Shoreditch, Hoxton, and Upper Street in Islington, and have been suspended since March 2020 because of the impact of the pandemic.
Night Overground services between Highbury & Islington and New Cross Gate will run every 15 minutes throughout the night on Fridays and Saturdays from Friday 17 December.
The services will complement the returning Night Tube.
There is a convenient interchange with the Victoria line at Highbury & Islington, and easy access to Night Tube on the Central line via a walk between Shoreditch High Street and Liverpool Street stations.
The other Night Tube lines – the Jubilee, Northern, and Piccadilly – will return to service as soon as practicable.
TfL is working hard to resolve resourcing issues on those lines, although there are other considerations such as the upcoming closure of the Bank branch of the Northern line to allow completion of the upgrade at Bank station.
Besides the returning Night Overground and Night Tube, TfL operates one of the most extensive night bus networks in the world, with over 100 routes running throughout the night.
The Tube continues to operate between approximately 05:30 and 00:30 through central London from Monday to Saturday, and some trains now start earlier on Sunday mornings to help customers travel at those times.
Overall, TfL figures indicate that the use of London's public transport network is at around 70% of pre-pandemic levels. Ridership on London Overground is around 71%, with weekends even higher. On weekdays, the Tube network regularly sees over 60% of journeys than before the pandemic, rising to up to 80% at weekends. Bus travel is regularly at 75% of pre-pandemic levels.
The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “I am delighted we have managed to ensure that the Night Overground will be returning next month, linking up diverse and vibrant areas of London with all the nightlife they have to offer, just in time for the festive period.
“Coming only a few weeks after the return of the Victoria and Central Night Tube lines, this is another important milestone as London's vibrant night-time economy continues its recovery from the pandemic.
“I am determined to make the capital as safe as possible for all Londoners, especially women and girls, and the return of the Night Overground will make a huge difference to those who are travelling home late at night, offering another quick, easy and safe way for people to travel around the city.”
Night Czar for London, Amy Lamé, said: “Our incredible culture and hospitality businesses are gearing up for their busiest period of the year, so it really is great news that the Night Overground is on the way back.
“From our award-winning restaurants, bars and clubs to our magnificent grassroots live music venues, London's night life is unrivalled all over the world.
“The return of the Night Overground is a great festive boost to our night time economy, not only for those who want to have a great night out, but for those who work in this vital sector too.”
Rory O'Neill, TfL's General Manager of London Overground, said: “I'm pleased that the Night Overground will closely follow the return of the Night Tube and deliver a huge boost to the night-time economy and help our customers get around during the busy pre-Christmas period.
“An extra safe, green and affordable transport option for those working late or enjoying London at night will help ensure that London's recovery is strong and sustainable.”
Michael Kill, CEO of Night Time Industries Association, said: “The return of the Night Overground on Friday and Saturday nights between Highbury & Islington and New Cross Gate from 17 December is another welcome addition to London's Night Time Economy infrastructure, and a step in the right direction.
“With a focus on vulnerability, and the safety of women at night, and thousands of night workers within London, we cannot underestimate the vital role these services play in keeping the capital safe at night.'
Sam Spencer, Head of Operations at Printworks London, said: “The return of the Night Overground service comes as welcome news to us at Printworks London.
‘The safety of our guests and staff are of paramount importance to us, and the infrastructure of the night services in London enables our guests to plan and continue their journeys more safely. We look forward to seeing additional travel lines re-introduced in the not too distant future to further support the wider night-time industry.”
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London Overground’s night Overground services does seem a good idea. What about night service on the Euston-Watford DC Line, West London Line, North London Line, Lea Valley Lines and Gospel Oak-Barking Line. Except Romford-Upminster line will not have night service. Unless it could have a night service with Emerson Park station opened throughout the night.