London’s Superloop network is expanding again, with a brand-new express bus service set to hit the roads this weekend. The SL11 Superloop will begin operating on Saturday 24 January,
offering faster journeys and stronger transport links across southeast London — and passengers can ride for free during its first week.
The SL11 is a limited-stop express route running between Abbey Wood and North Greenwich, travelling via Thamesmead and Woolwich. Designed to cut journey times and improve reliability, the new service provides quicker access to key transport hubs including the Elizabeth line and Docklands Light Railway (DLR).
Speaking ahead of the launch, a TfL representative said they were “delighted to launch the latest Superloop, SL11, a new express bus route connecting communities from North Greenwich to Abbey Wood via Thamesmead and Woolwich.”
Free travel to mark the launch
To celebrate the introduction of the route, all SL11 journeys will be free for the first week. Pay as you go customers will still need to touch in using an Oyster or contactless card, but no fare will be charged.
Supporting growth and regeneration
The launch of SL11 comes at a significant moment for the area. It follows strong public support for proposals to extend the DLR from Gallions Reach to Beckton Riverside and Thamesmead, which received Government backing in the Autumn Budget. The new bus route is seen as a key step in improving transport connectivity, supporting regeneration plans and helping unlock thousands of new homes and jobs in southeast London.
Part of a growing Superloop network
SL11 builds on the success of the Superloop express bus network, which has already carried around 60 million passengers since its introduction. With the addition of SL11, the network will now cover 218 kilometres and add 8.1 million bus kilometres per year to London’s transport system.
Recent launches have shown strong early demand. The BL1 express route between Waterloo and Lewisham, introduced last September, recorded more than 27,900 tap-ins in its first seven days, also helped by an initial free-fare period. Transport for London says further expansion of the Superloop network is planned as buses continue to play a central role in creating a greener, healthier and more inclusive city.
Faster, more frequent services
SL11 replaces daytime route 472, delivering quicker journeys, higher frequencies and a more direct path through Woolwich town centre. Buses will run every six minutes during peak daytime hours (Monday to Saturday, 7am–9pm), with services every 10 to 12 minutes at other times. Early Sunday mornings will see buses every 15 minutes.
Passengers will also benefit from priority seating, distinctive Superloop interiors and, on most vehicles, USB charging points at seats. The route connects with Superloop SL3 at Abbey Wood, making onward journeys towards Bexleyheath, Sidcup, Chislehurst and Bromley North easier.
Night services and local alternatives
A new night route, N472, will operate between 12.15am and 4.45am, stopping at all locations currently served by route 472. Night buses will run every 30 minutes throughout the week.
Some stops previously served by route 472 will no longer be covered by SL11, but TfL says these locations will continue to be well served by frequent local routes, including 161, 177, 180, 244, 301 and 380. Passengers needing to change buses can take advantage of the Hopper fare, allowing unlimited bus journeys within one hour for £1.75.
With faster journeys, free travel in its opening week and a growing role in London’s future transport plans, the SL11 Superloop looks set to become a key route for southeast London commuters.
The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: "I'm delighted to launch the latest Superloop, SL11, a new express bus route connecting communities from North Greenwich to Abbey Wood via Thamesmead and Woolwich.
"In my manifesto I pledged to bring in Superloop-style express buses while major projects like the DLR to Thamesmead are underway, and I'm proud to have delivered on this.
"Replacing the 472 with this faster, more direct service will help to support early regeneration plans in Thamesmead and boost transport links in a historically under-served part of London.
"I'm also excited to say that TfL will be offering a week of free travel on the new Superloop service, so from 24 January to 30 January Londoners can give the SL11 a go and see for themselves how choosing this quicker bus can transform their everyday journeys.
"As Mayor, I'll continue to explore how we can keep improving London's bus network and build a better, fairer London for everyone."
Lorna Murphy, TfL's Director of Buses, said: "We're thrilled to see another Superloop express service on the roads serving Londoners in this area. The SL11 will boost travel and journey times and crucially will mean faster connections between the Elizabeth line, DLR, London Underground and National Rail. All bus rides on the SL11 will be free for customers for the first week, so we encourage everyone to take advantage of this offer. As always, we'll continue to monitor travel patterns to ensure the network meets local demand." Photo by UK bus Image, Wikimedia commons.