Transport for London's Superloop express bus network should next connect Bluewater and Eltham, according to a survey of News Shopper readers. The call comes as TfL continues to expand the network, which currently includes routes SL3, SL4, SL5, and the newly opened SL11, with further extensions planned.
Reader Survey Highlights Demand for Bluewater and Eltham Links
Last week, News Shopper asked readers on Facebook: "Where would you like to see the Superloop bus in south east London next?" The post generated around 140 responses, with Bluewater emerging as the most requested destination, receiving more than 20 votes. Many readers called for direct Superloop services from Lewisham, Bromley, Eltham, North Greenwich, Thamesmead, and Orpington to the shopping centre, arguing existing journeys require multiple bus changes and take too long.
Eltham was the second most frequent suggestion, with many residents arguing the area has been overlooked by the current network despite its position as a major transport hub. Suggestions included routes connecting Eltham with central London, Bluewater, Croydon, Woolwich, and Abbey Wood, while others simply called for "something through Eltham."
Other Priority Areas and Routes Suggested
Lewisham featured prominently as both a starting point and destination, with the most common call being for a direct Lewisham-to-Bluewater route. Other readers wanted quicker links to Eltham, Bromley, and Chislehurst. Bromley, despite being already served by the network, was also highlighted, with residents suggesting routes to Bluewater, Greenwich, Swanley, and central London, and emphasising the borough's role as a major town centre.
Orpington emerged as another area needing more rapid orbital links, with suggestions for direct services to Abbey Wood, Croydon, Bluewater, New Cross, and central London to reduce journey times. Sidcup readers called for faster services to central London, London Bridge, Victoria, and Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Woolwich, saying better public transport connections would improve access to jobs and healthcare.
Welling, Bexleyheath, Abbey Wood, North Greenwich, and Thamesmead
The Welling and Bexleyheath corridor appeared frequently, with many suggesting a route from North Greenwich through Woolwich, Welling, and Bexleyheath, and others wanting stronger east-west links across Bexley. Abbey Wood was highlighted because of its Elizabeth line station, with suggested routes to Orpington, Eltham, Welling, and Bexleyheath, as faster access to the station would benefit commuters.
North Greenwich was seen as a potential key hub for future services, with connections to Bluewater, Bexleyheath, Chislehurst, and communities along the Woolwich and Welling corridor. Thamesmead rounded out the top 10, with readers saying direct routes to Bluewater, Dartford, Eltham, and Camberwell would provide quicker alternatives to several currently lengthy journeys.
TfL has already announced plans for a further route linking central and south London with Clapham Junction, extending the network beyond its current reach. The Superloop network currently serves parts of south east London through routes including the SL3 between Thamesmead and Bromley North, the SL5 between Bromley North and Croydon, the SL4 between Grove Park and Canary Wharf, and the SL11 between Abbey Wood and Greenwich.
