Waltham Forest (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Transport for London (TfL) has launched a consultation on a proposed Stratford to Chingford bus route, aiming to improve connections across Waltham Forest.
Londoners are being asked to provide feedback on the next proposed Superloop SL14 rapid bus route by Transport for London (TfL).
The proposed SL14 would travel between Stratford Bus Station and Chingford Hatch (Hatch Lane) via Walthamstow, offering direct rail connectivity at Leyton, St James’s Street and Blackhorse Road stations. Additionally, SL14 would join SL1 at Waltham Forest Crooked Billet Roundabout.
The SL14 would enhance the Superloop fast bus network and encourage more sustainable and more direct journeys across east and northeast London, cutting journey times and offering speedier, alternative outer London links connecting local towns, train stations and work and leisure destinations.
For passengers on routes 158 and 357, TfL claimed that this would “potentially have a positive effect” on current local bus routes, including “reduced bus waiting times and less crowding” at bus stops.
By running parallel to current route 158, the SL14 would expand the corridor’s capacity. In light of this, it is suggested that the 158’s frequency be reduced from six to eight minutes during the weekdays.
To make room for the SL14, a modification to the local D8 route is also being considered. In Stratford (Warton Road), the D8 would be rerouted so that it begins and ends at Stratford City bus station rather than Stratford Bus Station.
Feedback on the consultation is now being accepted for six weeks, ending on November 5, 2025.
The game-changing Superloop has transformed travel in outer London. The express bus network, with the inclusion of BL1, comes into service this Saturday, 27th September and will increase to 203km adding almost eight million kilometres per year to the capital’s network.
Geoff Hobbs, TfL’s director of public transport service planning, said:
“Following the success of the Superloop express bus services across outer London, we continue to look for ways to enhance transport links and offer more sustainable journeys in northeast and east London.
The proposed SL14 route represents a significant opportunity to deliver faster, more direct travel options, improving connectivity between local communities and key destinations across the capital. We strongly encourage all stakeholders and members of the public to participate in the consultation and share their views.”
What accessibility features are planned for SL14 buses?
Buses with low floors and step-free entry and exit for wheelchair users and people with mobility impairments.
Clearly marked priority seating areas, dedicated areas for wheelchair users, and armrests that can be easily folded up for easier access.
Steps are clearly marked with contrasting colour and slip-resistant surfaces to assist passengers with visual impairments and to help reduce falls.
Audio and visual stop announcements for passengers that are blind, partially sighted and/or deaf. USB charging points and up-to-date information for passengers, in real-time, for ease of travel.
Handholds and handrails in effective locations for the benefit of passengers with a variety of disabilities. This work is aligned with the TfL Accessible Bus Design Standards and UK legislation to allow for an accessible, equitable and safe environment for all passengers, including our customers with disabilities.