The Mayor of London, Sir Sadiq Khan, has pledged further expansion of the capital's high-speed bus network, with two brand new Superloop routes scheduled to begin operation in 2026.
This move forms part of the Mayor's ongoing strategy to enhance public transport links in Outer London, following the successful launch of the Bakerloop service in 2025.
Which areas will get new Superloop services?
The two confirmed additions to the network are the SL11 and SL12 routes. Transport for London (TfL) has provided specific details on their paths and timetables.
The SL11 will connect North Greenwich with Abbey Wood, travelling via Woolwich and Thamesmead. It is designed as a faster, more direct alternative to the current 472 bus, with optimised stops in Woolwich town centre.
This service is slated to start in early 2026. Buses will run seven days a week from 5am to 12.30am, with frequencies of every eight minutes on weekday and Saturday daytimes.
The SL12 will run between Gants Hill and Rainham, serving Romford, Elm Park, and the Ferry Lane Industrial Estate for the first time. Its introduction is planned for late 2026.
It will operate every 12 minutes on weekdays and Saturdays, providing vital links to Queen's Hospital, Romford Elizabeth line station, and Elm Park Tube station.
Boosting connectivity across the capital
Sir Sadiq Khan stated that the Superloop is already making a significant impact. "The Superloop is making a real difference improving public transport in Outer London," he said, "adding more than six million additional bus kilometres per year to the capital's bus network and linking stations, town centres, hospitals and transport hubs."
The new electric buses, featuring a distinctive brown and cream livery, are a key part of London's push for sustainable transport. The express services aim to fill gaps in the network, offering quicker interchange between the Elizabeth line, DLR, Tube, and rail services.
What's next for the Superloop network?
Beyond the 2026 launches, TfL has several other proposed Superloop routes in the pipeline for future development. These include potential services such as:
- SL13 between Hendon and Ealing Broadway
- SL14 between Stratford bus station and Chingford Hatch
- SL15 between Clapham Junction and Eltham
The expansion signals a continued commitment from City Hall to invest in bus services that offer faster, more reliable journeys for residents in areas less served by the Tube network.
