‘Bakerloop’ among TfL Superloop expansion plans for consultation

Transport for London (TfL) has opened a consultation on the so-called ‘Bakerloop’ limited-stop addition to its Superloop express bus network. It will also commence that process on two other proposed Superloop routes soon.

TfL says that on existing Superloop corridors, average passenger numbers – including on parallel routes – have grown by 11% since the first of those launched in June 2023. That is 9% faster than the London bus network average.

The ‘Bakerloop’ would serve a forerunner of the long-hoped for extension of the Bakerloo underground rail line to Lewisham. The bus route is slated to connect stations and areas that form part of that tube network expansion plan between Waterloo and Lewisham via Elephant and Castle.

Introduction of the ‘Bakerloop’ is part of a manifesto commitment made by Mayor of London Sadiq Khan ahead of the 2024 mayoral election. On p59 of that document, Mr Khan wrote that potential for “Superloop-style express bus services” to precede new rail services on major transport projects would be explored by his administration.

He adds that the ‘Bakerloop’ will help “to demonstrate how much the capital needs the Bakerloo line extension” while also unlocking “thousands of new homes and jobs.”

A suitably liveried BYD BD11 battery-electric double-deck bus from the Go-Ahead London fleet in Superloop colours was used to launch the ‘Bakerloop’ consultation. TfL and Mr Khan continue to discuss with the government how the tube extension could be funded.

The ‘Bakerloop’ BL1 could potentially start operation in autumn 2025, subject to consultation outcome. It would be part-funded by Southwark Council through Section 106 funding from development in that area.

Route SL4, which is the last of the current tranche of Superloop rollout, will commence on 7 April and run via the new Silvertown Tunnel. It will be operated by Go-Ahead London with a PVR of 18. Stagecoach London will provide a ‘bike bus’ shuttle through the tunnel.

TfL has also announced details of two more proposed Superloop services that alongside the BL1 are part of the Superloop Expansion programme. The SL11 would run between Abbey Wood and North Greenwich in south-east London, while the SL12 would link Rainham and Gants Hill in the east of the capital.

TfL Commissioner Andy Lord says that success of existing Superloop routes demonstrates how express bus services “are providing a hugely valuable way for Londoners to travel.”