The express bus routes connecting parts of outer London have proved a hit since first being launched in 2023, reports Noah Vickers, Local Democracy Reporter

The original Superloop network launched in 2023 (credit TfL)

A new wave of Superloop bus services could be launched as early as this year, the boss of Transport for London (TfL) has confirmed.

Following on from the original Superloop network of express bus routes launched in 2023, mayor Sir Sadiq Khan promised in his re-election manifesto last year to launch ‘Superloop 2’.

The mayor said this would mean effectively doubling the size of the current network by adding another ten services, including a ‘Bakerloop’ bus which will follow the route of the planned Bakerloo Line extension from Elephant and Castle down to Lewisham.

In an interview with the Local Democracy Reporting Service this week, TfL commissioner Andy Lord said he hopes to see the first Superloop 2 route launched before the end of 2025 – but a round of consultation would have to take place first.

The original Superloop comprised seven services which joined up to form a gigantic circle through London’s suburbs – launched with the aim of providing better connections between town centres across outer London.

A further three routes were also included as part of that first wave, though one is yet to launch as it will make use of the Silvertown Tunnel, which won’t open for another two months.

During last year’s mayoral election, Khan’s campaign team published a draft map showing where the Superloop 2 routes could go.

The proposals in north and east London include connections from Harrow to Barnet, via Edgware; Barnet to Stratford, via Enfield and Chingford; and Leytonstone to South Havering, among others.

Asked when TfL will begin consulting on the new services, Lord said: “We’ll be doing that shortly. I can’t give you any details at the minute, but we’re very excited about the next routes.

“The Superloop has seen a huge benefit in terms of the increase in ridership, increasing people’s awareness of our bus services, and we’re really excited about what the next phase can deliver for the city.”

He added: “I’m hoping that we’ll perhaps be able to get the first one launched by the end of the year. Of course, our next Superloop route will start with the Silvertown Tunnel opening in April, and then we’ll see what we can do as quickly as possible after that.”

The full list of proposed Superloop 2 routes is:

Harrow to Barnet, via Edgware;
Barnet to Stratford, via Enfield and Chingford;
Leytonstone to South Havering, via Gants Hill and Romford;
North Greenwich to Thamesmead, via Woolwich;
‘Bakerloop line’: Elephant and Castle to Lewisham, via Old Kent Road and New Cross;
Streatham to Eltham, via Tulse Hill and Lee;
Richmond to Wimbledon, via Roehampton;
Ealing Broadway to Kingston, via Great West Road and Richmond;
Hounslow to Hammersmith, via Great West Road;
Hendon to Ealing Broadway, via Brent Cross and Hanger Lane.

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