SL12 – proposed express bus service between Gants Hill and Rainham

Proposals

The SL12 would operate as an express bus service with limited stops. It aims to reduce journey times and provide quicker orbital connections between local centres, railway stations, hospitals, and employment centres.

The following geographic map shows proposed route SL12 in its entirety.

We have updated this map to note the proposed SL12 routeing in Rainham is New Road/Dunedin Road - Dovers Corner roundabout - Bridge Road - Lamson Road - Ferry Lane. Proposed new bus stops for access to Rainham station south side would be situated on Lamson Road and Ferry Lane.

Bus stop information can be seen in more detail in the 'Proposed timings and bus stops' section below.

(Click on map for larger version)

As part of the Superloop family, the SL12 service would be frequent, simple, inclusive, and reliable.

Subject to the outcome of consultation, we would like the SL12 to operate using double deck buses with the usual Superloop accessibility features and on-board facilities such as USB charging points and travel information.

The following map shows how proposed route SL12 would fit into an expanded Superloop network.

(Click on map for larger version)

Proposed timings and bus stops

We propose the SL12 express service would run:

• Seven days a week
• Operating between approximately 05:00 and 00:30
• Every 12 minutes during Monday to Saturday daytimes
• Every 15 minutes all evenings, on Sundays, and on early morning weekdays

The SL12 is not proposed to operate through the night.

Times shown are indicative for consultation purposes. Timetables would only be developed following consultation, and once a decision as to how to proceed is made.

The following diagram shows proposed bus stops on route SL12:

(Click on map for larger version)

The SL12 route aims to create direct journey links between key destinations in north-east and east London and would operate alongside other local bus routes, including popular routes into Ilford, Barkingside and Rainham.

The proposed route plans to provide:

• Quicker access to Romford for shops, jobs, leisure, and the Elizabeth line
  
  
• A convenient link to Elm Park and London Underground District Line services
• Access to the Central line and the existing Superloop network in Redbridge
  
  
• A direct bus connection between King George Hospital and Queens Hospital
  
  
• A bus route for the first time into the Ferry Lane Industrial Estate supporting employers and employees in this area
  
  

The bus stops proposed for use by the SL12 are those currently well used by passengers on existing routes and those that serve key passenger destinations.

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.

Bus standing space

In addition, subject to the outcome of consultation, we would need to provide space for the SL12 to terminate at both ends of its proposed route.

At Gants Hill we propose the bus to terminate on Perth Road. This would require some changes to the road highway layout which we would discuss with the London Borough of Redbridge.

At Ferry Lane we would work with the London Borough of Havering to identify a suitable terminus.

How it impacts you

We have completed an initial Equalities Impact Assessment (EqIA). We do not expect the SL12 would have a negative impact.

However, we also want to hear how you think the proposals may impact you, positively or negatively. You can let us know what you think of these proposals by completing our survey.

We use the EqIA to help us decide if, and how, we should proceed with these proposals.

After we’ve considered all comments, the EqIA will be reviewed and updated.

We believe a new bus route could benefit all passengers, including older people, disabled people, and people on low incomes. We consider the SL12 would:

• Provide quicker connections between key locations
  
  
• Provide new, direct travel connections
  
  
• Reduce waiting time at selected bus stops
  
  
• Encourage more sustainable journeys in outer north-east and east London

Background

The Superloop launched in 2023. It is helping to make buses a more popular option for more people. There are currently nine routes in service, with the SL4 between Canary Wharf – Grove Park planned to start service once the Silvertown Tunnel opens on 7 April 2025.

The Superloop is a key part of the Mayor of London and TfL’s commitment to improve the bus network in outer London.

We are keen to build on its success by connecting more parts of London.

This would enable even more people to benefit from improved public transport connections and journey times.

Visit the Superloop expansion web page for further details about how the Superloop may expand, including future consultation dates and latest news.

Buses in London

London’s bus network is our most affordable, accessible, and available form of public transport and offers the main sustainable alternative to cars for those journeys that cannot easily be walked or cycled. It is also London’s most flexible mode of public transport.

We continuously review and adapt the bus network to reflect changing customer needs. This includes proposing changes to existing bus routes, so services operate in areas where our customers need them most. This includes areas such Ferry Lane Industrial Estate in Rainham where there have long been requests for a bus service.

Read more about how we are increasing the number of bus journeys by making bus travel better, faster, and greener in our Bus action plan.

More Information

We have provided more information for you to respond and a set of Frequently Asked Questions. You can also use our question tool during the consultation period. We will respond your questions as soon as we can:

Accessible Information

We want to make sure everyone is able to take part in our consultations. To help make it accessible to everyone we have provided:

Tell us your views

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 23 May 2025.

Questions?

You can use our question tool during the consultation period. We will respond to your questions as soon as we can.

You can also contact us by email, via our telephone call back service (020 3054 6037) or in writing (FREEPOST TFL HAVE YOUR SAY).

Latest news

Update 27 May 2025

This consultation has now closed. Thank you to everyone who responded. We are analysing your feedback and will report back shortly.

The consultation report will be available to everyone that takes part in the consultation and a copy will be published on our website.