Consultation launched for ‘Bakerloop’ bus to link Elephant & Castle and Lewisham
Transport for London (TfL) has launched a consultation for the proposed new ‘Bakerloop’ express bus service.
The Bakerloop bus would follow the route of the proposed Bakerloo line extension, running between Waterloo, Elephant & Castle and Lewisham via Burgess Park, Old Kent Road, New Cross Gate, Lewisham railway station and Lewisham town centre.
Londoners are invited to provide feedback on the proposals during a consultation that will run until March 14.
The route, which would eventually be known as the BL1, aims to connect the London Underground, London Overground, DLR, National Rail and other bus routes, creating new and direct journey links in South east London.
Subject to the outcome of the consultation, passenger service could potentially start in autumn 2025.
Andy Lord, London’s Transport Commissioner, said: “The proposed ‘Bakerloop’ would enable us to improve public transport connectivity and capacity between South-east London and central London by delivering some of the same benefits that the Bakerloo line extension would.
“Feedback from customers is hugely important to us and I would urge everyone to respond to the consultation.”
TfL continues to develop plans for the Bakerloo line Tube extension, including tunnel design, station designs and plans for a possible extension beyond Lewisham.
But the network has so far failed to secure Government funding, with works not expected to begin before the end of the decade.

The ‘Bakerloop’ bus service would be part-funded by Southwark council.
Cllr Helen Dennis, Cabinet Member for New Homes and Sustainable Development at Southwark council, said: “The proposed Bakerloop Bus service would be a fantastic addition to the transport infrastructure supporting Southwark and its neighbouring boroughs.
“Running as an express service up and down the Old Kent Road, the Bakerloop is designed to support the new homes that are being delivered right now for Londoners, whilst making the case for further growth and development.”
The new route would build on the Superloop, a 138km network of seven express bus services completed last year to provide better connections between town centres across outer London.
Sir Sadiq promised in his re-election manifesto last year to launch an extension of the Superloop service, Superloop 2.
The mayor said this would mean effectively doubling the size of the current network.
As well as the new BL1 route, a number of express routes are also planned as part of the Superloop expansion programme.
Subject to consultation, these include the SL11, which would run between Abbey Wood and North Greenwich, and SL12, which would run between Rainham, Ferry Lane and Gants Hill.
The final route, SL4, running between Canary Wharf and Grove Park will launch on April 7, to coincide with the opening of Silvertown Tunnel.
Sir Sadiq said: “Last year, I made a commitment to Londoners to introduce the new Bakerloop bus route.
“Today, I’m pleased to announce that TfL are launching this consultation as the first step towards delivering on this commitment, building on the continued success of the Superloop express bus services.
“This vital infrastructure would not only provide better transport links and upgrade the existing line, but also unlock thousands of new homes and jobs, boosting the economy and building a better, fairer and more prosperous London for all.”
The consultation for the ‘Bakerloop’ is now live, this can be found here: haveyoursay.tfl.gov.uk/BL1-superloop
Pictured top: Sadiq Khan promised in his re-election manifesto last year to launch an extension of the Superloop service (Picture: PA)