London's transport network is set for a significant boost this weekend with the launch of the Superloop SL11 express bus service, creating vital new connections across South East London.
New Express Route Transforming Travel
The SL11 route will commence operations on Saturday, January 24, operating as a limited-stop express service between Abbey Wood and North Greenwich. The strategic route will serve key locations including Thamesmead and Woolwich, dramatically reducing journey times for commuters and residents in these historically underserved areas.
Free Travel Launch Promotion
To celebrate the service introduction, Transport for London is offering an exceptional launch promotion. All pay-as-you-go customers will enjoy completely free travel on the SL11 for the entire first week of operation. Passengers will still need to touch in with their Oyster cards or contactless payment methods as usual, but no charges will be applied during this promotional period.
Mayoral Commitment Delivered
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan expressed his enthusiasm for the new service, stating: "I'm delighted to launch the latest Superloop, SL11, a new express bus route connecting communities from North Greenwich to Abbey Wood via Thamesmead and Woolwich."
"In my manifesto I pledged to bring in Superloop-style express buses while major projects like the DLR to Thamesmead are underway, and I'm proud to have delivered on this," he continued. "Replacing the 472 with this faster, more direct service will help to support early regeneration plans in Thamesmead and boost transport links in a historically under-served part of London."
Supporting Regeneration and Connectivity
Transport for London emphasises that the new express route serves multiple important purposes. It provides Londoners with a faster, more sustainable transport option while actively supporting regeneration initiatives in the Thamesmead area. This development comes alongside the recently approved DLR extension project, for which TfL's latest consultation received strong public backing.
The introduction of route SL11 represents a crucial milestone in supporting thousands of new homes and employment opportunities, unlocking economic growth while improving sustainable travel options across the region.
Expanding the Superloop Network
The SL11 route becomes the latest addition to the increasingly successful Superloop network, which has transported approximately 60 million passengers since its initial introduction. With SL11's inclusion, the Superloop bus network will expand to cover 218 kilometres of routes, fundamentally transforming travel in and around outer London while adding 8.1 million bus kilometres annually to the capital's transport infrastructure.
Service Specifications and Features
The SL11 service will operate with impressive frequency, running every six minutes during daytime hours from Monday to Saturday between 07:00 and 21:00. During other periods, buses will arrive every 10 to 12 minutes, with the exception of early Sunday mornings when the frequency extends to every 15 minutes.
Passengers will benefit from modern amenities including dedicated priority seat moquettes and USB chargers at most seats. The route replaces the daytime 472 service, offering improved journey times through South East London and providing quicker connections to other essential services across the capital.
Enhanced Connectivity Options
The SL11 will follow a more direct route through Woolwich town centre, offering seamless connections with Superloop route SL3 at Abbey Wood for journeys towards Bexleyheath, Sidcup, Chislehurst and Bromley North. This integration creates a comprehensive transport web serving multiple communities.
Additionally, a new night service, N472, will operate from 00:15 to 04:45, serving all bus stops currently used by route 472. These night buses will run every 30 minutes throughout the week using the same vehicles as the SL11 service.
Building on Previous Success
The SL11 launch follows the successful introduction of the BL1 express service from Waterloo to Lewisham last September, which mirrored the proposed Bakerloo Tube line extension route. That service attracted more than 27,900 customers during its initial seven-day free travel period, demonstrating strong public appetite for improved express bus connections.
Transport Leadership Perspective
Lorna Murphy, TfL's Director of Buses, commented: "We're thrilled to see another Superloop express service on the roads serving Londoners in this area. The SL11 will boost travel and journey times and crucially will mean faster connections between the Elizabeth line, DLR, London Underground and National Rail."
"All bus rides on the SL11 will be free for customers for the first week, so we encourage everyone to take advantage of this offer," she added. "As always, we'll continue to monitor travel patterns to ensure the network meets local demand."
This latest expansion represents another step forward in London's ongoing transport evolution, providing faster, more efficient connections while supporting broader regeneration and sustainability objectives across the capital.
