Lewisham (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Transport for London (TfL) plans the Bakerloop bus, linking Waterloo to Lewisham, providing faster connections in London amid Bakerloo line extension plan.
With services perhaps beginning as early as this autumn, it would be the first of a second wave of additional Superloop bus lines that are planned to be implemented in the upcoming years.
Following the “success” of the initial 10 express bus routes, which were introduced in 2023, TfL has stated that it intends to double the number of routes throughout the capital.
When the Silvertown tunnel opens on April 7, 2025, SL4 buses will be able to travel between Canary Wharf and Grove Park, marking the beginning of the last route in this initial phase of Superloop services.
Additionally, Elephant & Castle, Burgess Park, Old Kent Road, and New Cross Gate would be stops for the Bakerloop bus service, which would be called route BL1.
Where TfL intends to build future Bakerloo line stations is indicated in these stops.
There is currently no set date for when this will happen, and TfL is still trying to get the government to pay for the extension.
Through its tax on new projects in the region, Southwark Council would contribute to the cost of the new “Bakerloop” bus service.
What are the upcoming Superloop routes and consultation plans?
The TfL route is currently the subject of a consultation that will end on March 14, 2025.
It is anticipated that consultations on two further new Superloop routes will soon start.
The SL11 and SL12 will run between Abbey Wood and North Greenwich and Rainham, Ferry Lane, and Gants Hill, respectively.
Announcing the proposed Bakerloop route, London Mayor Sadiq Khan said:
“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.”
Brenda Dacres, Mayor of Lewisham, added:
“It’s excellent to see the Mayor’s investment in additional public transport service for south east and Lewisham taking shape.
This a great progress, although the Bakerloop bus is not an alternative to the Bakerloo line upgrade and extension. We will continue to work closely with the Mayor, TfL and the Government to find funding solutions to finally get this vital project moving.”
How will the Bakerloo extension affect properties in Lewisham?
Property values in the vicinity are anticipated to be greatly impacted by the projected Bakerloo Line extension to Lewisham.
Property values in Lewisham and the neighbouring areas are expected to rise as a result of the extension. According to estimates, better transport connections and easier access to Central London might result in a 10%–20% increase in property values.
With direct access to the Tube network made possible by the Bakerloo Line expansion, commuting will be quicker and easier. The demand for real estate in Lewisham is projected to grow as a result of the greater convenience, which will draw in more tenants and buyers.
The extension is a component of a larger regeneration project in southeast London that also includes plans for green areas, new homes, and business developments. New stations along the line will open up development possibilities and raise property values even more.
Better transit connections have historically resulted in a substantial increase in demand from both renters and buyers. It is anticipated that Lewisham will draw young professionals and families looking for reasonably priced home alternatives near Central London as it becomes more accessible.