The expansion to Bromley North would allow the bus to connect with two other Superloop routes
11:32, 14 Sep 2026Updated 11:35, 14 Sep 2026
Transport for London (TfL) has ruled out extending a popular Superloop bus route to Bromley over concerns it would be too expensive. The SL4 between Canary Wharf and Grove Park launched on April 7, 2025 to coincide with the opening of Silvertown Tunnel.
Passengers were initially offered free journeys in a bid to build up bus ridership and discourage people from driving. Despite this trial coming to an end on May 26 this year, with fares set at £1.75, the latest journey figures suggest the number of passengers has remained at roughly 210,000 per month.
Along with passengers on the 108 and 129 routes, more than 11 per cent on trips through both Silvertown and Blackwall tunnels are made by bus, which is a 290 per cent increase compared to before the former crossing opened.
TfL has since confirmed a number of customers have suggested extending the SL4 southern terminus from Grove Park to Bromley North. But responding to a Freedom of Information request, the authority said the costs are significant and the scheme was not deemed feasible.
If the extension were to go ahead, some passengers claim it would terminate at a more useful destination – providing an interchange with the SL3 and SL5 routes – rather than its current site near Grove Park bus garage. Traffic often builds at this junction when buses enter and leave the garage.
TfL said any future proposals would be developed with relevant South London boroughs before going to public consultation.
Last weekend London’s Superloop network expanded again with the launch of the SL12 between Gants Hill and Rainham.. In late 2024, bus cuts in Romford led to severe backlash from former Havering Council leader Ray Morgon, who slammed Sir Sadiq Khan for expanding ULEZ while snubbing the area during the initial Superloop launch.
Next year, the SL13 between Hendon and Ealing Broadway, SL15 between Clapham Junction and Eltham are expected to launch – completing the second phase of Sadiq Khan’s express bus scheme.
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