New Superloop bus service launch date confirmed - and travel is free for the first week

A new Superloop bus route is set to launch early next month - with free journeys during its first week.Passengers using the service will not be charged for their journey until September 12 - but they will still need to touch in using a valid Oyster card or a contactless card or device.TfL’s Superloop network of express bus routes is designed to provide faster orbital connections between areas outside central London, with the new service marking the network’s first expansion into Havering.A Superloop bus in east LondonRoss LydallThe SL12 will cut bus journey times between Gants Hill and Rainham from slightly over an hour to around 40 minutes. The route will provide connections with the Central, District, Overground, and Elizabeth line, and to both King George’s Hospital and Queen’s Hospital.The SL12 will operate between 5.30am and 12.30am daily, with buses every 12 minutes during the day on Mondays to Saturdays, and every 15 minutes every evening and all day on Sundays.TfL has announced that more Superloop routes will launch next year, between Stratford and Chingford Hatch, and between Clapham Junction and Eltham.Since its launch in July 2023, the Superloop network has accommodated around 81 million trips.TfL said that Superloop buses have added 9.6 million bus kilometres per year to the capital's network, and that ridership on these new routes is 12% higher than journeys on standard buses. Mayor of London Sir Sadiq Khan has called the Superloop network a ‘gamechanger’PA ArchiveMayor of London Sadiq Khan, said: "Our Superloop network has been a gamechanger for bus travel in outer London, offering quicker, more convenient journeys around the capital. "The success of the Superloop is one of my proudest achievements as Mayor, and 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, added: "The SL12 will boost travel and journey times in northeast and east London, taking people across the area to local shops and amenities and onwards to fast and convenient Elizabeth line and Tube connections at Romford, Newbury Park, Elm Park and Gants Hill. Read MoreWe’re also excited to be able to offer customers free journeys on the SL12 for the first week and I’d encourage everyone in the area to try out this new, sustainable, accessible transport link.”