Transport for London has announced the launch of a significant new addition to its rapid transit network, with the Superloop SL11 express bus service commencing operations in southeast London this weekend. The innovative route will provide a crucial transport link between Abbey Wood and North Greenwich, passing through the Thamesmead area, and will be completely free for passengers to use during its inaugural week of service.
Enhanced Connectivity for Southeast London
The SL11 represents a strategic upgrade to existing public transport infrastructure, replacing the daytime service of the 472 bus route with a faster, more direct alternative. This limited-stop express service has been specifically designed to improve journey times and reliability for commuters and residents across a historically underserved part of the capital.
Operational Details and Service Frequency
Commencing on Saturday, January 24, 2026, the SL11 will operate with impressive frequency throughout the week. During peak daytime hours from Monday to Saturday (7am to 9pm), buses will arrive every six minutes, while off-peak services will run every 10 to 12 minutes. Early Sunday mornings will see a slightly reduced frequency of every 15 minutes, with overnight services provided by the N472 route operating every half hour between 12.15am and 4.45am.
The route has been carefully planned to offer improved connections to major transport hubs, including Elizabeth Line stations and DLR services, while also providing interchange opportunities with other Superloop routes. The more direct path through Woolwich town centre represents a significant improvement over the previous 472 service, promising reduced journey times for regular passengers.
Celebratory Free Travel Period
To mark the launch of this important new service, Transport for London has confirmed that passengers will enjoy completely free travel on the SL11 for the first seven days of operation. While customers will still need to touch in with their Oyster or contactless payment cards during this promotional period, no fares will be charged, allowing everyone to experience the benefits of the new express service without financial barrier.
Supporting Regeneration and Development
The introduction of the SL11 forms a crucial component of London Mayor Sadiq Khan's broader strategy to support regeneration and development in the Thamesmead and wider Docklands area. The improved transport connectivity is expected to facilitate the creation of thousands of new homes and employment opportunities in regions that have previously suffered from inadequate transport links.
Mayor Khan expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating: "I'm delighted to launch the latest Superloop, SL11, a new express bus route connecting communities from North Greenwich to Abbey Wood via Thamesmead and Woolwich. Replacing the 472 with this faster, more direct service will help to support early regeneration plans in Thamesmead and boost transport links in a historically under-served part of London."
Complete Route and Stop Information
The SL11 will serve the following key locations along its route:
- North Greenwich Bus Station
- Millennium Village, Oval Square
- Millennium Leisure Park
- East Peninsula Park Road
- Charlton Station National Rail (Eastbound) / Anchor and Hope Lane (Westbound)
- Woolwich
- Plumstead Bus Garage (Eastbound) / Plumstead Station National Rail (Westbound)
- Princess Alice (Eastbound) / Belmarsh Prison (Westbound)
- Grasshaven Way
- Linton Mead Primary School
- Eastgate Close (Eastbound) / Manordene Road (Westbound)
- Thamesmead, Carlyle Road
- Abbey Wood
This comprehensive stop list ensures that the new service will effectively serve residential areas, educational institutions, leisure facilities, and major transport interchanges throughout southeast London.
The launch of the Superloop SL11 represents a significant investment in London's public transport network, promising to deliver tangible benefits to communities across southeast London while supporting broader regeneration objectives in the Thamesmead and Docklands regions.
