London's Superloop Network Expands with New SL12 Route Launch
Transport for London's express Superloop bus network continues its rapid expansion with the imminent launch of the SL12 route, serving the outer reaches of east London. This new service represents the twelfth addition to the Superloop system, which began with the SL1 in 2023 and has grown steadily to enhance connectivity across London's peripheral boroughs.
SL12 Route Details and Service Information
The SL12 will commence operations on Saturday, April 4, 2026, providing a crucial transport link between Gants Hill and Ferry Lane in Rainham via Romford. For significant portions of its journey, the route will parallel existing bus services: it follows the route 66 between Gants Hill and Romford, then partially mirrors routes 165 and 372 between Elm Park and Rainham.
This strategic routing addresses a notable gap in London's transport infrastructure, offering residents in areas not currently served by rail networks improved access to major transit hubs. Passengers will gain convenient connections to the Underground at Gants Hill station, plus access to both the Elizabeth line and Overground services at Romford station.
Complete List of SL12 Bus Stops
- Gants Hill Station
- Horns Road (Eastbound) / Ley Street (Westbound)
- Newbury Park Station London Underground
- Barley Lane
- Eastern Avenue
- Padnall Road (Eastbound)/East Road (Westbound)
- Eastern Avenue West
- Mawney Road
- Western Road
- Romford Station
- Queen's Hospital Romford
- Elm Park Station
- Mungo Park Road
- Freebourne Gardens
- South End Road
- Ford Lane
- Cherry Tree Lane
- Dunedin Road
- Rainham Tesco
- Rainham Station South Side National Rail
- Ferry Lane Industrial Estate
Superloop's Growing Impact on London Transport
The Superloop initiative represents a significant investment in London's outer borough connectivity. Following the launch of the SL11 between Abbey Wood and North Greenwich earlier this year, the SL12 continues TfL's commitment to providing efficient express bus services that complement the city's rail networks. These routes are specifically designed to serve areas where rail access is limited, reducing travel times and improving overall transport accessibility for residents in London's suburban communities.
Transport authorities have indicated that additional Superloop routes are planned for implementation throughout 2026 and 2027, suggesting the network will continue expanding to meet the evolving transportation needs of Greater London. The express bus services operate with limited stops compared to regular bus routes, offering faster journey times while maintaining the flexibility of road-based transit.
