It follows a positive reaction from a public consultation
Sadiq Khan launched the Superloop bus network in 2023 as a way to better connect outer London, with fewer stops making journeys between neighbourhoods quicker and removing the need to faff with changing trains or tubes. There are ten Superloop routes currently in operation, which you can see here, and there are plans for a second batch of ten routes to be added, beginning later this year.
The first new addition, launching on Sat 27th September, will be the Bakerloop, a bus route that follows the proposed-but-as-yet-unfunded Bakerloo line extension from Elephant & Castle to Lewisham. The Bakerloop, or BL1, will have a brown colour scheme and matching moquette seating to align it with the tube line, and will run every 12 minutes during the daytimes on Monday to Saturday, and every 15 minutes during evenings and on Sundays.
The route will run from Waterloo to Lewisham and have stops in Elephant & Castle, Burgess Park, Old Kent Road and New Cross Gate (with fewer stops than the number 21 bus that connects Old Kent Road and Lewisham), meaning that getting around SE London should be a lot quicker.
However, many locals, including the mayor of Lewisham, still want the Bakerloo tube line to be extended, with the bus route serving as a stop-gap until it’s delivered. As mayor Brenda Dacres said: “By following part of the proposed extension route, it brings to life the vision of the Bakerloo Line Extension – offering the promise of faster, greener and more direct journeys for everyone.
“Though this new service is a positive step, many communities south of Lewisham will still remain underserved, and bus travel simply doesn’t match the speed or efficiency of trains. That’s why the Bakerloo Line Extension remains crucial – not only for delivering the transformative connectivity our borough needs, but also for unlocking the new homes, jobs and wider economic benefits.”
You’ll be able to travel on the Bakerloop service for free during the first week of operation, beginning on Sat 27th September – you’ll still need to tap in but you won’t be charged. All aboard!
