BL1 – Proposed express bus route between Waterloo and Lewisham town centre

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We would like your feedback on proposals to expand the Superloop network with a new express bus route called the Bakerloop which would be numbered BL1.

The consultation period has now closed. You can find updates on the scheme in the 'Latest news' section.


Proposals

Proposed route BL1 would provide an express link between Waterloo, Elephant & Castle and Lewisham town centre. This would provide much needed connectivity between these areas, and would support our future proposals to deliver the Bakerloo line extension.


As part of the Superloop family, the BL1 service would be frequent, simple, inclusive, and reliable.

Subject to the outcome of consultation and bus route tests, we would like the BL1 to operate using double deck buses including other Superloop accessibility features and on-board facilities such as USB charging points and travel information.

Also subject to the outcome of consultation, should we decide to proceed to introduce route BL1, unique design features inspired by the Bakerloo line would be developed.


Image showing geographic map of proposed new route Bl1Click on map for larger version


Proposed timetable, routeing, and bus stops

The BL1 Bakerloop would run:

  • Seven days a week
  • Operating between 05:00 and 00:30 (it would not operate through the night)
  • Every 12 minutes during the daytime from Monday to Saturday
  • Every 15 minutes in the evenings and on Sundays

In line with what is proposed for a future Bakerloo line extension, the BL1 Bakerloop would start and stop at Waterloo, via the following key transport interchanges and town centres: Waterloo, Elephant & Castle, Burgess Park (Dunton Road), Old Kent Road (Ilderton Road), New Cross Gate, Lewisham station and town centre.


Image of linear map showing proposed BL1 bus stopsClick on map for larger version


The route aims to create new and direct journey links between Elephant & Castle and Lewisham; and easier connections between London Underground, London Overground, DLR, National Rail and other bus routes. We selected bus stop locations with this in mind.

However, we would like your feedback on whether these are the right places and bus stops for the new route.

You can let us know what you think of these proposals by completing our survey.

At Waterloo we think the BL1 would start and stop on Waterloo Road, at the same bus stops that route 172 does now. This is for ease of access, including step-free access to Tube and National Rail services.

In Elephant & Castle it is proposed the BL1 would stop on both sides of the junction, at London Road and New Kent Road.

The bus stop at London Road aims to provide convenient access to the Bakerloo line at Elephant & Castle Tube station.

The bus stop at New Kent Road aims to provide convenient access to both the Northern line at Elephant & Castle Tube station and National Rail services from Elephant & Castle train station.

In Lewisham we expect the BL1 would use the same bus stops as route 21 between Lewisham High Street and Lewisham Station/Loampit Vale. This aims to maximise opportunities to connect with other popular public transport services.



The next map shows the proposed BL1 route and how this would fit into an expanded Superloop network.




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We would like your feedback on proposals to expand the Superloop network with a new express bus route called the Bakerloop which would be numbered BL1.

The consultation period has now closed. You can find updates on the scheme in the 'Latest news' section.


Proposals

Proposed route BL1 would provide an express link between Waterloo, Elephant & Castle and Lewisham town centre. This would provide much needed connectivity between these areas, and would support our future proposals to deliver the Bakerloo line extension.


As part of the Superloop family, the BL1 service would be frequent, simple, inclusive, and reliable.

Subject to the outcome of consultation and bus route tests, we would like the BL1 to operate using double deck buses including other Superloop accessibility features and on-board facilities such as USB charging points and travel information.

Also subject to the outcome of consultation, should we decide to proceed to introduce route BL1, unique design features inspired by the Bakerloo line would be developed.


Image showing geographic map of proposed new route Bl1Click on map for larger version


Proposed timetable, routeing, and bus stops

The BL1 Bakerloop would run:

  • Seven days a week
  • Operating between 05:00 and 00:30 (it would not operate through the night)
  • Every 12 minutes during the daytime from Monday to Saturday
  • Every 15 minutes in the evenings and on Sundays

In line with what is proposed for a future Bakerloo line extension, the BL1 Bakerloop would start and stop at Waterloo, via the following key transport interchanges and town centres: Waterloo, Elephant & Castle, Burgess Park (Dunton Road), Old Kent Road (Ilderton Road), New Cross Gate, Lewisham station and town centre.


Image of linear map showing proposed BL1 bus stopsClick on map for larger version


The route aims to create new and direct journey links between Elephant & Castle and Lewisham; and easier connections between London Underground, London Overground, DLR, National Rail and other bus routes. We selected bus stop locations with this in mind.

However, we would like your feedback on whether these are the right places and bus stops for the new route.

You can let us know what you think of these proposals by completing our survey.

At Waterloo we think the BL1 would start and stop on Waterloo Road, at the same bus stops that route 172 does now. This is for ease of access, including step-free access to Tube and National Rail services.

In Elephant & Castle it is proposed the BL1 would stop on both sides of the junction, at London Road and New Kent Road.

The bus stop at London Road aims to provide convenient access to the Bakerloo line at Elephant & Castle Tube station.

The bus stop at New Kent Road aims to provide convenient access to both the Northern line at Elephant & Castle Tube station and National Rail services from Elephant & Castle train station.

In Lewisham we expect the BL1 would use the same bus stops as route 21 between Lewisham High Street and Lewisham Station/Loampit Vale. This aims to maximise opportunities to connect with other popular public transport services.



The next map shows the proposed BL1 route and how this would fit into an expanded Superloop network.




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  • CLOSED: This survey has concluded.

    We are holding a six-week public consultation to hear what you think about our proposal. We want to know how it may impact you, positively or negatively; your views on bus stop locations, if there is anything you do not agree with, and to understand the reasons why you feel this way.

    You can reply by completing our survey, which should take no more than 10 minutes to complete  or if you are short on time, you can submit a quick response. The closing date for comments is Friday 14 March 2025. 

    To take part in our online survey you will need to register with your email address. Your details will be kept secure.

    If you prefer, you can also let us have your comments by:

    • Email: haveyoursay@tfl.gov.uk
    • Telephone: 020 3054 6037 to leave your name and contact number and we will call you back. Please quote BL1 when leaving your message
    • Write to: FREEPOST TFL HAVE YOUR SAY (BL1) no postage stamp required

    Please note responses to the survey may be made publicly available after the consultation has closed, this would typically be in the form of a report on the results of the consultation exercise, but any personal information will be kept confidential. Your personal information will be properly safeguarded and processed in accordance with the requirements of privacy and data protection legislation. For further information, please read our privacy policy.

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  • CLOSED: This survey has concluded.

    We know that life is busy and you may just have one short moment to tell us what you think of our proposals. That's why we now let you submit a quick consultation response.

    This is different from our consultation survey as we ask just one short question "Tell us what you think of our proposal".

    Your response can be long or short, but importantly it lets us know your views. 

    You will need to register with our Have Your Say platform to give us your quick response, although your details will be kept secure.  

     You have until 14 March 2025 to give us your feedback.

    Please note that responses will be made publicly available after the consultation has closed in the form of a report on the results. Your personal information will be properly safeguarded and processed in accordance with the requirements of privacy and data protection legislation. For further information, please visit our privacy policy.

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Page last updated: 21 Mar 2025, 11:19 AM