Key Points
- The Mayor of London and Transport for London (TfL) are proposing a new express Superloop bus route SL15 between Clapham Junction and Eltham station.
- SL15 is part of the continued expansion of the Superloop network planned for autumn 2025 and beyond.
- The Superloop network aims to improve orbital connectivity in London, especially along busy corridors with limited direct rail services.
- The consultation on SL15 and other routes SL13 and SL14 will begin in autumn 2025.
- The expansion supports sustainable transport, aiming for a greener, healthier London with reduced car dependency.
- The Bakerloop (BL1) service was launched in September 2025 as the first route in this new expansion phase.
- SL15 will provide new, direct, and quicker journey options linking South London areas with key transport hubs.
- Plans reflect the Mayor’s commitment to enhancing public transport capacity and connectivity across outer London.
What Is the New Superloop SL15 Bus Route?
As reported on the official TfL site by their communications team, the Superloop SL15 bus route is a proposed express service running between Clapham Junction and Eltham station. It is part of TfL’s wider plans to expand the Superloop network which is designed to provide faster orbital bus connections across London, connecting outer districts without requiring travel into central London first.
The route aims to serve busy travel corridors that currently lack direct rail services, offering passengers more efficient travel options connecting south London areas. This addition builds on earlier expansions including the Bakerloop (BL1), which began running in late September 2025.
Why Is the SL15 Route Being Introduced?
According to TfL’s explanation of the Superloop expansion, the SL15 and other new express routes such as SL13 and SL14 are being introduced to meet increasing transport demand in outer London boroughs. The routes are designed to improve capacity and provide quicker links to major transport interchanges, thus supporting local growth and sustainable urban development.
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan has emphasized that this network expansion is part of a green, healthy, and inclusive transport strategy for London. It encourages more journeys by bus, cycling, and walking, while reducing reliance on private cars, helping to mitigate traffic congestion and pollution across the capital.
When Will the SL15 Route Start Operating?
The full launch of the SL15 route is contingent on public consultation outcomes scheduled for autumn 2025. TfL has already begun public consultations for the related routes SL13 and SL14, with consultation deadlines in late October and early November 2025 respectively. SL15 is included in these proposals and is expected to be introduced in stages starting after the consultation phase, subject to final approvals.
How Does SL15 Fit Into the Overall Superloop Network?
The Superloop network is envisioned as an orbital bus system that supplements London’s radial transport links. The first phase, which became operational in early 2025, includes ten routes branded under the Superloop name. The second phase, including SL15, aims to further enhance this network with additional express routes to foster better connectivity.
The SL15 connects southwest London at Clapham Junction to south-east London’s Eltham, thus bridging two significant hubs and offering passengers a faster cross-town link not reliant on central London routes. This complements other new routes like SL11 and SL12, which link different areas in London but share the goal of improving travel speed and frequency on busy corridors.
What Are the Benefits for Commuters and Local Communities?
The new SL15 route will provide direct and speedy public transport options for passengers travelling across south London, a region where orbital travel options are often limited. Enhanced bus services such as SL15 can reduce journey times, improve accessibility to major rail and tube interchanges, and ease overcrowding on existing services.
From an environmental and urban planning perspective, supporting more sustainable travel with express bus routes plays into wider goals of reducing carbon emissions and improving air quality. This is particularly important for outer London boroughs, helping them stay connected while managing growth sustainably.
What Has TfL Said About the SL15 Route?
TfL stated in their announcement of the Superloop expansion:
“These proposed routes have been selected to run along busy regional road corridors with limited direct rail provision providing new and quicker orbital connections. This expansion reflects the Mayor’s commitment to work at pace to improve public transport in outer London”.
What Has Been the Public Response So Far?
While formal consultation for SL15 is still upcoming, the launch of the Bakerloop (BL1) route earlier in 2025 has been generally well received as a positive step towards better orbital travel options. TfL encourages public feedback on the proposed routes to ensure they meet passenger needs and integrate well with existing transport infrastructure.
The new Superloop SL15 route from Clapham Junction to Eltham represents a significant development in London’s transport landscape, promising faster, more efficient orbital bus services in south London. With consultation underway and public engagement encouraged, this route is poised to support London’s green and sustainable transport future, enhancing connectivity and accessibility for thousands of commuters and residents.
