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TfL plans Superloop 2 routes 'by end of 2025'

Noah Vickers
Local Democracy Reporting Service
Transport for London A map of the superloop routeTransport for London

Superloop 2, the next stage in a network of express bus routes linking the outer London boroughs, could be launched the end of the year, according to the capital's bus supremo.

Transport for London commissioner Andy Lord said he hoped to see the first of the new routes launched before the end of 2025 – but a round of consultation would have to take place first.

The original Superloop network of express bus routes began in 2023, and Mayor of London Sir Sadiq Khan promised in his re-election manifesto last year to launch Superloop 2.

The mayor said this would mean effectively doubling the size of the current network.

'Bakerloop'

That could mean another 10 services, including a "Bakerloop" bus which would follow the route of the proposed Bakerloo line extension from Elephant and Castle to Lewisham.

Asked when TfL would begin consulting on the new services, Mr Lord said: "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.

"I'm hoping that we'll perhaps be able to get the first one launched by the end of the year.

"The Superloop has seen a huge benefit in terms of the increase in ridership, increasing people's awareness of our bus services, and we're really excited about what the next phase can deliver for the city."

The original Superloop comprises seven services which form a circular series of routes through London's suburbs – launched with the aim of providing better connections between town centres across outer London.

A further three routes were also included as part of that first wave, though a further one is yet to launch as it will make use of the Silvertown Tunnel, which does not open for another two months.

That route – known as SL4 – will start in Canary Wharf and pass through the new tunnel under the Thames to reach Blackheath, Lee and Grove Park railway stations.

A close up of the Superloop sign on the front of a London bus. The London Transport roundel is also visible.
Superloop comprises seven services which form circular routes through London's suburbs

TfL said Superloop services had added more than six million bus kilometres a year to the capital's network, above the four million originally forecast.

The network connects with 310 other bus routes, 49 rail stations and 23 rail lines.

The full list of proposed Superloop 2 routes:

  • 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

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