Key Points:
- Transport for London (TfL) confirms two new Superloop bus routes — SL11 and SL15 — for South East London.
- SL11 will replace route 472 in early 2026, operating as an express service with limited stops.
- SL15 will connect key areas of South East London, strengthening cross-borough travel.
- SL11 will link North Greenwich, Charlton, Woolwich, Thamesmead, and Abbey Wood.
- The service will operate every 8 minutes during weekday peak times.
- SL11 will integrate with SL3 at Abbey Wood for direct travel to Bromley.
- Night services will continue under the existing N472 route.
- Part of TfL’s wider £100m plan to expand the Superloop network.
- TfL says the expansion improves links to DLR, Tube, and Elizabeth Line services.
- South East London residents welcome reduced journey times and better connectivity.
South East London is set for two new express bus routes, SL11 and SL15, as part of Transport for London’s (TfL) ongoing Superloop expansion. The announcement builds upon the £100 million programme launched in 2023 to improve transport links around outer London, making journeys quicker and more reliable.
According to Transport for London, the Superloop project continues to “redefine how Londoners travel across outer boroughs,” strengthening orbital connections between major hubs without the need to travel through Central London.
What is the Superloop network and why is it expanding?
The Superloop network, launched in 2023, was designed as a high-frequency express bus system encircling outer London. It currently operates eleven key routes, including SL3 between Thamesmead and Bromley North, SL4 from Grove Park to Canary Wharf, and BL1 linking Elephant and Castle to Lewisham.
As reported by BBC News London, TfL’s Deputy Commissioner Seb Dance explained that the expansion aims to “make bus travel attractive to more Londoners, especially in areas less served by rail or Underground links.”
Dance added that demand for faster cross-borough travel has grown substantially:
“With these new routes, people will find it easier to connect to Elizabeth Line, DLR, and Tube stations, cutting journey times and boosting local economies.”
How will the SL11 route operate?
The SL11 will replace the existing route 472 from early 2026. According to TfL, this new express route will significantly reduce journey times between North Greenwich and Abbey Wood by operating with fewer stops while maintaining frequent service intervals.
Key stops for the SL11 include:
- North Greenwich Bus Station
- Charlton
- Woolwich Station (bus stops K and D in town centre)
- Thamesmead
- Abbey Wood Station
The SL11 will run seven days a week, operating from 5 a.m. to 12:30 a.m., every 8 minutes during weekday daytime hours, every 10 minutes in the evenings, and every 12 minutes on Sundays. Night services will continue under the name N472, stopping at all existing 472 stops.
As reported by MyLondon’s Callum Cuddeford, commuters have welcomed the prospect of shorter travel times, with one Thamesmead resident telling the paper,
“It’s about time South East London caught up with other parts of the city in terms of public transport convenience.”
What will be the route and benefits of SL15?
While details of the SL15 route are still being finalised, The Evening Standard reported that it will also serve major corridors across South East London, further boosting Superloop’s network coverage.
A TfL spokesperson, quoted by journalist Ross Lydall of The Evening Standard, stated:
“The SL15 will complement SL11 to provide even better connectivity for residents living in and around Lewisham, Greenwich, and Bexley. Our focus is on reducing congestion on existing routes and improving journey reliability.”
The SL15, expected to commence after SL11’s launch, will likely connect town centres and other public transport hubs, fostering smoother travel between residential areas and London’s expanded rail lines.
How does this expansion fit into London’s transport strategy?
As highlighted by The Guardian’s transport correspondent Gwyn Topham, the Superloop expansion supports Mayor Sadiq Khan’s overarching goal to encourage sustainable travel and reduce car dependency across outer boroughs.
According to TfL’s strategic transport plan, buses currently make up over 50% of journeys in many parts of South East London. However, congestion and slow travel times have long been cited by residents as key frustrations.
Mayor Sadiq Khan commented in a previous press release:
“Expanding the Superloop will give people more choices, helping them take faster, greener routes while improving connections across outer London.”
What are local reactions to the Superloop expansion?
Community response to the announcement has been largely positive. Residents in Greenwich and Thamesmead have described the new routes as a “game changer” for areas without major train links.
In interviews conducted by News Shopper reporter Katherine Johnston, several commuters expressed optimism:
“This could cut my daily commute by 20 minutes,” said Charlton resident Denise Moore. “If they can deliver on reliability, it will make a huge difference.”
However, some have raised concerns about the impact on existing local busses. BBC London noted that certain residents worried that “express services might come at the cost of reduced stops or longer waits for standard routes.” TfL assured that “local coverage will be maintained” and that the SL11 will complement rather than replace core services.
How do the SL11 and SL15 connect to the wider network?
Both new routes will strengthen links between South East London and major transport hubs. The SL11, by connecting Abbey Wood and North Greenwich, integrates with the Elizabeth Line, the DLR network, and the Jubilee Line. Its connection with the existing SL3 route at Abbey Wood enables swift transfers toward Bromley and Bexley, improving east-west mobility without entering central London congestion zones.
According to TfL’s data, the Superloop has already supported over 15 million passenger journeys since its 2023 launch. The upcoming routes are expected to serve thousands daily.
When will the SL11 and SL15 launch?
The SL11 express route is targeted for launch in early 2026, following public consultations and operational planning later this year. The SL15 is anticipated to follow after the completion of SL11’s rollout, with construction of supporting bus infrastructure currently under review.
A TfL spokesperson noted to MyLondon:
“We are working with local authorities to finalise details of the SL15 and ensure seamless integration with the rest of the Superloop. Once the planning and approval phases are complete, the route will be confirmed.”
What’s next for South East London’s public transport?
TfL continues to invest in modernisation projects to enhance accessibility and environmental sustainability. Hybrid and electric buses are expected to be deployed on both SL11 and SL15 routes, consistent with TfL’s zero-emission policy by 2030.
As Evening Standard journalist Ross Lydall reported,
“Superloop buses are being designed for comfort, accessibility, and reduced emissions, aligning with London’s broader green initiatives.”
The introduction of the SL11 and SL15 cements TfL’s commitment to providing faster, greener, and more efficient transport options for South East Londoners — a change that, according to most residents, could not come soon enough.
