Superloop - proposals for a network of limited-stop express buses connecting outer London

Following the Mayor of London’s announcement that more than a million kilometres will be added to outer London’s bus network, we are now developing proposals for a further expansion.

We are proposing to introduce the Superloop, which would be made up of express bus routes, that circle the entire capital, connecting key outer London town centres, stations and transport hubs.

The Superloop would be designed to provide quicker journey times with routes stopping less frequently, while serving key places such as town centres, hospitals, schools and transport interchanges.

The proposed new routes could add over 4 million kilometres on to London’s bus network. These proposals would be enabled by the extra £6m the Mayor has provided for improvements to outer London bus services.

How it could work

The Superloop is proposed to be introduced in stages. It would consist of a network of express limited-stop routes, including brand new and existing bus routes.

A new route is proposed to run between North Finchley and Harrow, with further routes to be developed between Walthamstow and North Finchley and between Royal Docks and Walthamstow. There could also be links between Bromley and Bexleyheath and Croydon and Bromley. All routes are subject to further development and consultation.

These new routes would link with existing express routes that already connect key interchanges in outer London. These existing routes include:

• route X26 - West Croydon to Heathrow Airport
• route X140 - Heathrow Airport to Harrow
• route 607 - Uxbridge to White City
• route X68 - Russell Square to West Croydon

The first new express route between Harrow and North Finchley will be subject to consultation in the coming months.

You can view a map of what the proposal could look like. You can also watch a video animation about the proposal.

If you have any questions about the proposed Superloop, please use our Questions tool below.

You can also receive Superloop updates and register for future consultations by clicking the 'Subscribe' button below.

More about our proposals

Analysis of our existing express bus routes shows they have the potential to boost bus ridership and boost customer satisfaction across outer London, where there is a specific need for more public transport. The Superloop service would complement our other plans to improve the outer London public transport network, including growing the bus network, introducing the full peak timetable on the Elizabeth line this May and introducing new trains on the DLR and Piccadilly line.

The Superloop brand would be designed to work with the iconic London Buses brand by using a new Roundel and bus livery to ensure clear identification of the new service, but still recognisable as part of the London Buses network. The new branding would also feature on maps, timetables and other pieces of customer information.

Next steps for the proposed Superloop

The first new part of the proposed Superloop would be a new route which would link Harrow with North Finchley. We will work with the relevant boroughs on this initial proposal and will carry out a public consultation to understand customer and stakeholder feedback on the proposed route. This feedback will then be used to help shape our decision making on how a new route could be introduced.

Following that, we will also consult on future sections of the orbital bus network. Potential future sections would, subject to consultation, provide limited stop links between:

• North Finchley and Walthamstow
• Walthamstow and the Royal Docks
• route X239 connecting Canary Wharf and Grove Park, (which was consulted on as part of the Silvertown Tunnel bus network)
• Bromley and Bexleyheath
• Croydon and Bromley