A new era of faster, greener travel begins in South London this week as Transport for London (TfL) launches the Bakerloop BL1 express bus service. The Bakerloop marks a major milestone in improving connections across the capital — a preview of what the Bakerloo Line Upgrade and Extension could mean for London’s future.
Connecting communities — From Waterloo to Lewisham
Thanks to over £5 million in developer contributions secured by Southwark Council, the Bakerloop BL1 will link Waterloo, Elephant & Castle, Burgess Park, Old Kent Road, New Cross Gate and Lewisham, offering a fast, fully electric express service for thousands of daily passengers.
The route mirrors the proposed Bakerloo Line Extension, which aims to bring the Underground deeper into South London, supporting new housing, jobs and economic growth along the corridor.
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Frequency: Every 12 minutes (Monday–Saturday daytime)
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Evenings & Sundays: Every 15 minutes
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Comfort: USB charging ports, improved seating, and priority areas for accessibility
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Power: 100% electric, zero tailpipe emissions
The service is designed around local feedback, with 82% of respondents saying the new route would be more convenient, and 79% expecting faster journey times.
A Step closer toward the Bakerloo Line Extension
The Bakerloop BL1 is more than a new bus route, it’s a signal of what’s to come. By improving travel now, the service demonstrates the real benefits of extending the Bakerloo Line into Lewisham, Hayes and Beckenham Junction, unlocking thousands of new homes and jobs across South London.
When delivered in full, the Bakerloo Line Upgrade and Extension is expected to:
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Boost the UK economy by £1.5 billion every year
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Create over 150,000 jobs nationwide
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Unlock 20,650 new homes and 6,230 jobs in Lewisham alone
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Reduce journey times by up to 50%
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Strengthen the UK supply chain, including train manufacturing at Siemens Mobility’s Goole Rail Village in Yorkshire
Cllr Helen Dennis, Cabinet Member for New Homes and Sustainable Development at Southwark Council, said:
“The new Bakerloop bus service is an exciting interim step, now providing much-needed additional transport capacity for South London and the increasing numbers of people living along the Old Kent Road. The consultation with the local community showed that this new bus route will make life easier for those commuting now in the area but it will also highlight the urgent need to move on with the Bakerloo Line Upgrade and Extension.
“I’m proud of the role we’ve played in helping to deliver this new service through developer contributions but our attention will not divert from the ultimate goal of seeing the Bakerloo Line Upgrade and Extension project become a reality – with the backing of 76 per cent of residents and 89 per cent of businesses, we know this will be the key to unlocking new jobs, new homes and a £1.5bn per year economic boost for the national economy.”
The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said:
“I’m proud to unveil the Bakerloop - a brand-new, express electric bus service linking communities from Waterloo to Lewisham.
“A Bakerloo line extension will take years to build, and I don’t want to wait any longer to improve transport connections for Londoners. That’s why I’ve introduced the Bakerloop now – a faster, greener service, building on the success of the Superloop, that delivers the links people need immediately, while showcasing just how transformative the Bakerloo line extension could be for our city and economy.
“To celebrate its launch – and after overwhelming support in our consultation – the Bakerloop will be free to use for its first week. This is a chance for Londoners to experience first-hand how this service can cut journey times, reduce pollution and transform everyday travel across our capital.”
A Glimpse of the Future
The Bakerloop BL1 shows how strategic investment and partnership between local authorities, TfL and developers can deliver tangible benefits now, while building momentum for the Bakerloo Line Upgrade and Extension. It’s a glimpse of London’s transport future, cleaner, faster and fairer, connecting communities from the heart of the capital to the heart of South London. If you’re in the area hop on board the Bakerloop and help spread the word: the Bakerloo’s future starts here.
