„The Superloop is making a real difference improving public transport in Outer London,“ stated Mayor of London Sir Sadiq Khan. As the city approaches 2026, plans are set in motion to enhance the express bus network, promising several neighborhoods will gain access to new Superloop routes.
The introduction of the express Bakerloop bus route, which connects Waterloo to Lewisham station, has largely been well-received in South East London. Although not an extension of the Bakerloo line, this service has improved connectivity within the region, operating every 12 minutes.
Expansion of the Superloop Network
In the coming year, the Mayor has pledged further progress on the Superloop network. This initiative includes the launch of two new routes in 2026, with plans for additional services in the future.
The upcoming fully electric Bakerloop buses will feature a modern brown and cream design. Sir Sadiq emphasized the project’s impact, noting it adds over six million additional bus kilometers annually to the capital’s transport network, thereby linking key stations, town centers, and hospitals.
Details on New Routes
The new Superloop route SL11 will connect North Greenwich and Abbey Wood via Woolwich and Thamesmead, set to launch in early 2026, according to Transport for London (TfL). This service aims to streamline connections between the Elizabeth line, DLR, Tube, Rail, and other bus services, offering a more direct alternative to the existing route 472.
Operating every day from 5 AM to 12:30 AM, buses on this route will run every eight minutes during peak hours from Monday to Saturday, while evening services will arrive every 10 minutes. On Sundays, the frequency will be every 12 minutes.
The SL12 service, which will integrate the Ferry Lane Industrial State into the route system for the first time, will operate between Gants Hill and Rainham via Romford and Elm Park. Scheduled for late 2026, it will run every 12 minutes between Monday and Saturday.
Impacts on Local Connectivity
This service will facilitate access to local town centers, hospitals, and transport hubs, including Elm Park Tube Station, Romford Elizabeth line station, and Queen’s Hospital. The SL12 will also be operational seven days a week, with varying frequencies, including every 15 minutes on Sundays and during early mornings and evenings on weekdays.
Moreover, TfL has proposed additional routes such as SL13 between Hendon and Ealing Broadway, SL14 connecting Stratford bus station and Chingford Hatch, and SL15 from Clapham Junction to Eltham.
As 2026 approaches, the enhancements to London’s public transportation system promise to significantly improve mobility for residents in various neighborhoods.
Bildquelle: Bildquelle: Nico Stadler auf Unsplash
