Bakerloop Express Bus could start by end of year

TfL is consulting on a new ‘Bakerloop’ bus service, which will run along the route of the proposed Bakerloo Line Extension on Old Kent Road.

The consultation was launched on Friday by the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan.

The BL1 express bus service would become part of Transport for London’s Superloop express bus network and has been nicknamed ‘the Bakerloop’.

The new service is being made possible by Southwark Council, which has committed funding for the buses using money raised from developers with projects in the Old Kent Road area. The money comes from S106 and CIL contributions – just one of the ways in which new developments can help to deliver social value for the local community.

The Bakerloop route matches the route of phase 1 of the proposed Bakerloo Line Extension.

It includes two stops on Old Kent Road, corresponding with the two new Tube stations expected to be built here, before heading on to Lewisham via New Cross Gate.

As well as providing a fast, new transport option for residents and workers in Southwark, the Bakerloop bus will serve as a fantastic advert for the opportunity presented by the Bakerloo Line Extension.

Cllr Helen Dennis, Cabinet Member for New Homes and Sustainable Development at Southwark Council, said:

“The proposed Bakerloop Bus service would be a fantastic addition to the transport infrastructure supporting Southwark and its neighbouring boroughs and made possible through Southwark Council’s robust policy framework.

Running as an express service up and down the Old Kent Road, the Bakerloop is designed to support the new homes that are being delivered right now for Londoners, whilst making the case for further growth and development, which will only be possible with the Bakerloo Line Extension.

The extension will be vital to supporting the delivery of tens of thousands of more jobs across the UK supply chain, creating additional homes for London and offering a national economic growth boost of £1.5bn.

We hope that people will get on board with the Bakerloop and ultimately back the Bakerloo Line Extension, with all the benefits that will bring for our community and local economy.”

TfL’s consultation runs until 14 March.

To find out more about the Bakerloo Line Upgrade and Extension and pledge your support visit: BacktheBakerloo.org.uk