Tfl launches Bakerloop BL1 express connecting Lewisham with Waterloo
The electric bus service has been part-funded by S106 developer contributions, and will mirror the route of the delayed Bakerloo line extension.
Transport for London (Tfl) is launching its new Bakerloop BL1 service with a week of free travel, starting on Saturday 27 September.
The BL1 will follow the route of the long-awaited Bakerloo line extension, running from Lewisham town centre via Lewisham station, New Cross Gate, Old Kent Road and Elephant and Castle to Waterloo.
The new buses are fully electric and offer USB charging points and a special moquette identifying priority seating.
Consultation on the project shows strong support for the new route, with 82% of respondents saying it would be more convenient than current options.
Southwark council contributed over £5m of Section 106 funding from developer contributions in the Old Kent Road area.
The BL1 joins the existing Superloop bus routes, which offer a quicker journey time than regular buses by reducing the number of stops.
Tfl plans to extend the Superloop network further, arguing that the buses play a critical role in a "green, healthy and inclusive future for London", with more trips made by public transport, walking and cycling, and fewer trips by private car.
Free travel on the BL1 starts at 05:00 on 27 September and continues until 23.59 on 5 October 2025. Customers are still required to tap in, but won't be charged.
"Urgent need to move on" with Bakerloo line extension
Tfl said that it continues to develop plans for the Bakerloo Line extension and to discuss how to deliver it.
Helen Dennis, Cabinet member for New Homes and Sustainable development at Southwark council said that the new service is an "exciting interim step" providing additional transport for the increasing numbers of people living along the Old Kent Road, but also "highlights the urgent need to move on with the Bakerloo Line Upgrade and Extension".
Lewisham mayor Brenda Dacres agreed, welcoming the launch of the Bakerloop but adding "the Bakerloo Line Extension remains crucial - not only for delivering the transformative connectivity our borough needs, but also for unlocking the new homes, jobs and wider economic benefits."
Dr Polyvios Polyviou, Programme Director for Transport at the business lobby group BusinessLDN said: "With the public finances stretched, the private sector stands ready to work with TfL to make the extension a reality, drawing on lessons from Crossrail and the Northern Line extension to Battersea."
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