Transport for London launched the consultation for the proposed new Bakerloop bus service, running between Waterloo, Elephant & Castle and Lewisham. The new Superloop replicates the long-term vision for the Bakerloo tube line’s extension, outlining its importance.
Cllr Helen Dennis, Cabinet Member for New Homes and Sustainable Development and Mayor Brenda Dacres of Lewisham Council were in attendance for the launch alongside the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan.
Funding for the eventual Bakerloop service will be provided by Southwark Council from developer contributions in the area.
The new Superloop replicates the long-term vision for the Bakerloo tube line’s extension and provides welcome transport infrastructure for residents and workers in Southwark, demonstrating the opportunities presented by the potential Bakerloo extension.
The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan said: “Last year, I made a commitment to Londoners to introduce the new Bakerloop bus route, which would run between Waterloo and Lewisham. 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.
“The new proposed route will mirror the route of the potential Bakerloo line extension and better connect people around southeast London, while also helping to demonstrate how much the capital needs the Bakerloo line extension. 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.”
Andy Lord, London’s Transport Commissioner, said: “We know from the success of the Superloop that express bus services are providing a hugely valuable way for Londoners to travel. 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. This will enable us to create a bus service which benefits everyone travelling in southeast London and beyond.”
Polyvios Polyviou, Transport Programme Director at BusinessLDN, said: “New transport services are essential to unlocking business success and growth across the capital. The Bakerloop will mark a very welcome interim measure for connecting underserved communities in south London, provided it complements existing bus routes. Over the long-term, the Government should use its current spending review to facilitate funding for the Bakerloo Line extension which would make a massive contribution to its growth mission. Campaigns like the BackTheBakerloo and BusinessForBakerloo are vital in keeping the momentum going.”
Ben Curtis, Campaign for Better Transport, said: “This new proposed bus route will be a welcome addition to the current network and act as a precursor to the Bakerloo extension, helping connect communities without a direct bus link until the Tube line can be completed.”
Brenda Dacres, Mayor of Lewisham, said: “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 - a major infrastructure project that's key to unlocking the home, jobs and economic growth London and the UK needs. We will continue to work closely with the Mayor, TfL and the Government to find funding solutions to finally get this vital project moving.”
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 and made possible through Southwark Council’s robust policy framework. 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, which will only be possible with the Bakerloo Line Extension.
“The extension will be vital to supporting the delivery of tens of thousands of more jobs across the UK supply chain, creating additional homes for London and offering a national economic growth boost of £1.5bn. We hope that people will get on board with the Bakerloop and ultimately back the Bakerloo Line Extension, with all the benefits that will bring for our community and local economy.”
The consultation is open until 14 March. For more information on TfL’s future plans to deliver the Bakerloo line extension, please visit: Bakerloo line extension - Transport for London (tfl.gov.uk)