TfL proposes new east London Superloop bus route

A consultation has been launched on a proposed new leg of the Superloop bus service in east London.

The planned new route, named SL12, would connect Rainham, Ferry Lane and Gants Hill via Romford.

Transport for London (TfL) said the service would enhance north-south links and improve access to industry and business districts in the south of Havering.

The consultation will run until 23 May.

The 85 mile (138km) long Superloop network, which launched in 2023, is a network of express bus routes designed to provide improve journey times between locations such as town centres, hospitals, schools and transport interchanges.

The proposed new route would improve public transport for parts of east London not currently on the rail network, according to TfL.

It would connect to the existing SL2 route, the London Underground at Gants Hill, and the Elizabeth line and Overground at Romford.

There are currently nine Superloop routes in operation, with another one - the SL4 connecting Canary Wharf to Grove Park - scheduled to launch on 7 April, to coincide with the opening of the Silvertown Tunnel.

Geoff Hobbs, TfL's director of public transport service planning, highlighted the "much-needed demand" for these routes, saying that "buses are still the most affordable and green way to travel around the capital".

He added that the additional service would "better connect the local community to the rest of London".

Ray Morgon, leader of Havering Council, said: "We are pleased to be working with TfL on a proposed SL12 Superloop route in the borough, something our residents really need and want."

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