The new wave of routes will include the ‘bakerloop’ service from Elephant and castle to Lewisham
Transport for London (TfL) is poised to expand its bus network with the Superloop 2, a new wave of express bus routes, which could launch as early as this year, TfL’s Commissioner Andy Lord has confirmed. Building on the success of the original Superloop, which began operations in 2023, the expansion promises to significantly improve connections across outer London.
In his re-election manifesto last year, Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan committed to the launch of ‘Superloop 2’, which will see the current network of express services nearly double in size. The new routes are set to include a number of vital connections, one of the most anticipated being the ‘Bakerloop’. This new service will follow the proposed Bakerloo Line extension, running from Elephant and castle to Lewisham, linking key areas such as Old Kent Road and New Cross.
In an interview with the Evening Standard, Lord revealed that he is hopeful the first Superloop 2 route will be up and running by the end of 2025. However, he cautioned that the consultation process must first take place, a necessary step before any new routes are officially launched.
What is the Superloop?
The original Superloop network, launched in 2023, was designed to improve the connection between suburban town centres across London. Comprising seven express bus services, the network forms a giant circle around the outer reaches of the city, with routes designed to reduce congestion and offer faster travel times for passengers across boroughs.
In addition to the core seven services, three further routes were also slated for launch as part of the first wave. However, one of those—SL4, which will utilise the new Silvertown Tunnel under the Thames—has yet to begin. The tunnel itself will not open until April 2024, with the new bus route expected to start soon after, connecting Canary Wharf with Blackheath, Lee, and Grove Park railway stations.
Superloop 2 routes
The upcoming Superloop 2 is set to offer even more extensive coverage, connecting neighbourhoods across the capital. Although exact details are still under wraps, several routes have already been proposed, including:
- Harrow to Barnet, via Edgware
- Barnet to Stratford, via Enfield and Chingford
- Leytonstone to South Havering, via Gants Hill and Romford
- North Greenwich to Thamesmead, via Woolwich
- ‘Bakerloop line’: Elephant and Castle to Lewisham, via Old Kent Road and New Cross
- Streatham to Eltham, via Tulse Hill and Lee
- Richmond to Wimbledon, via Roehampton
- Ealing Broadway to Kingston, via Great West Road and Richmond
- Hounslow to Hammersmith, via Great West Road
- Hendon to Ealing Broadway, via Brent Cross and Hanger Lane
These routes are designed to link more of outer London’s key areas, enhancing bus network coverage for commuters and residents alike. The plans for Superloop 2 were first outlined by the mayor during his 2023 re-election campaign, when a draft map of the proposed routes was shared with the public.
Excitement for the future
When asked about the timeline for the new routes, Andy Lord expressed his optimism about the impact the Superloop 2 would have on the city. “We’re really excited about what the next phase can deliver for the city,” he said. He also noted the increase in ridership and public awareness brought about by the original Superloop, describing it as an overwhelming success for both TfL and the wider London community.
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He continued, saying:
“I’m hoping that we’ll perhaps be able to get the first one launched by the end of the year. Of course, our next Superloop route will start with the Silvertown Tunnel opening in April, and then we’ll see what we can do as quickly as possible after that.”
The full Superloop 2 network is expected to provide significant benefits for Londoners, including improved journey times, better access to key transport hubs, and a reduced reliance on car travel in outer London. This expansion is seen as a key part of TfL’s long-term strategy to improve connectivity and accessibility across the capital.
Consultation and future plans
Despite the enthusiasm surrounding the project, Lord confirmed that public consultation will begin shortly. “We’ll be doing that shortly. I can’t give you any details at the minute, but we’re very excited about the next routes,” he said, teasing the new developments.
As the new routes are confirmed and the consultation process progresses, Londoners can look forward to more efficient and accessible travel options as Superloop 2 promises to further transform bus services across the capital, providing a more sustainable, faster, and greener way to navigate the city.
