Transport for London is pressing ahead with ambitious expansion plans for its express bus network, with five new Superloop bus routes set to launch across the capital between 2026 and 2027. The move follows the successful rollout of the Bakerloop (BL1) earlier this year, which runs from Waterloo to Lewisham, providing a key link along the proposed Bakerloo line extension. Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said he “didn’t want commuters to wait any longer for improved transport”, amid ongoing delays to the Tube extension, now expected to open in 2040.
The next phase of the Superloop bus routes aims to transform public transport across outer London, addressing long-standing gaps in connectivity. East London will see the introduction of the SL12, connecting Gants Hill, Ilford, Romford and Rainham, while Stratford and Chingford will be linked by the proposed SL14. The remaining three routes will enhance connections in South, West and North London, offering faster, limited-stop journeys to key interchanges.
In South East London, the SL11 is set to replace the 472 route in 2026. The express service will retain much of the current route between North Greenwich and Abbey Wood via Thamesmead, but will skip most of its 40 stops, cutting journey times significantly. The change is designed to streamline connections between the Elizabeth line, DLR, London Underground and National Rail services. TfL says the SL11 will also link with the SL3 route at Abbey Wood and Thamesmead, improving travel between Woolwich, Charlton and North Greenwich.
Meanwhile, Havering, which missed out on earlier phases of the Superloop rollout, is set to benefit from the SL12. The new service will provide rapid access between key destinations, including George Hospital and Queen’s Hospital, as well as the Ferry Lane Industrial Estate. A public consultation found that 79 per cent of respondents said the new route would be more convenient, with 69 per cent stating they would switch from car to bus once it launches.
In West London, TfL is considering a new Superloop bus route between Hendon War Memorial and Ealing Broadway. Supporting documents suggest it could stop at major hubs including Hendon Central, Brent Cross Shopping Centre, Neasden Shopping Centre, Harrow Road and Hanger Lane Tube station. Services would operate from 5am to 12.30am, every 12 minutes during peak daytime hours.
Plans for the SL14 between Stratford Bus Station and Chingford Hatch have also reached the consultation stage, closing on 5 November. The route would stop at Leyton, St James’s Street and Blackhorse Road, connecting with the SL1 at Walthamstow’s Crooked Billet Roundabout. TfL says the SL14 will provide more capacity on busy sections and support growing residential areas near Leyton Tube station. However, to accommodate the service, route D8 would be rerouted away from Stratford Bus Station to start and end at Stratford City Bus Station.
Finally, consultation continues for the SL15, a fast-track connection between Clapham Junction and Eltham. The single-decker service will operate daily and include stops at Clapham South, Tulse Hill, Forest Hill, and Catford Bridge, improving journey times between South London communities.
As TfL continues to expand the Superloop bus routes, the network is becoming a defining feature of London’s evolving transport system. Designed to bridge the gaps between suburban hubs and major rail links, the Superloop represents a new era of convenience for outer London commuters.
