Plans have been revealed for London’s next Superloop bus route

The Superloop family is rapidly expanding. Soon, Londoners will be able to ride the shiny new SL4 completely free of charge, and plans have been revealed for the Superloop 2, the second phase of the limited-stopping bus network. And now more details are being confirmed about the Superloop 2: first were plans for the ‘Bakerloop’, and this week we finally know more about the SL11.

In case you’re not familiar, the Superloop is a network of speedy bus services mostly serving the outer boroughs of the city.  Intended to make city travel easier, cheaper and quicker, its first routes launched in 2023 and it became an actual loop around the capital in March 2024. 

SL11 is set to run between Abbey Wood and North Greenwich via Thamesmead and Woolwich. Current plans for the route involve renumbering the existing 472 route and connecting it to the SL3 at Abbey Wood and Thamesmead. It’s hoped that the new route will provide quicker connections for commuters between the Elizabeth line, DLR, London Underground and National Rail. However,  plans could change following a public consultation that launched yesterday. 

Geoff Hobbs, TfL’s director of public transport service planning, said: ‘Buses are still the most affordable and green way to travel around the capital, and we know local communities will rely on new public transport to better connect the area to the rest of London. We are committed to working closely with the relevant boroughs to ensure these express bus routes work for all communities, as well as complementing the growth plans of these local authorities. Feedback is important to us and I would urge everyone to respond to the consultation.’

If you want to give your two pence on the SL11, you have until April 13 to give feedback here. Here’s a closer look at the proposed route.  

SL11 route map

There’s also a potential SL12 on the way. Subject to consultation (which launches next month), it would run between Rainham, Ferry Lane to Gants Hill via Romford. 

Riding the Superloop with Time Out

Where can you get a Superloop bus in London right now? Here are all the current SL routes in London. 

• SL1 (North Finchley to Walthamstow Central)
• SL2 (Walthamstow Central to North Woolwich)
• SL3 (Thamesmead to Bromley North)
• SL5 (Bromley North to Croydon Town Centre)
• SL6 (West Croydon to Russell Square)
• SL7 (West Croydon to Heathrow Airport)
• SL8 (Uxbridge to White City),
• SL9 (Heathrow Airport to Harrow)
• SL10 (Harrow to North Finchley)

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