New Bakerloop Express Bus to start this autumn

The new Bakerloop bus route will start this autumn after positive feedback from Londoners in TfL’s recent consultation.

The new express bus service will mirror the route of the proposed Bakerloo Line Extension , connecting Waterloo, Elephant and Castle and Lewisham via Old Kent Road.

The bus route will help to demonstrate the opportunities presented by the Bakerloo Line Extension to better connect people in southeast London.

The majority of feedback from residents and local stakeholders to TfL’s consultation was positive and the proposal was widely supported, with many respondents stating that the new service would:

• Be more convenient (82 per cent)
• Result in a quicker bus journey time (79 per cent)
• Be used between a few days and every day per week (55 per cent)

Cllr Kieron Williams, Leader of Southwark Council, said: 

“The huge support from local people for the Bakerloop bus service is great to see and we all look forward to this bus making life easier for those who live and commute on the Old Kent Road. It is also a big step towards showing the impact the Bakerloo Line Extension can make.

Last month we found out that 76% of London’s residents and 89% of businesses in the capital support the plans to upgrade and extend the Bakerloo Line. If we can get this over the line it will boost the economy by £1.5 bn per year and help to support the delivery of 150,000 jobs across the full length of the line.”

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.

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