London Mayor Rules Out Night-Time Expansion of Superloop Network

Plans to extend London's Superloop bus network into overnight operation are not currently being considered, with Mayor Sadiq Khan citing the significant cost of running additional services during the early hours of the morning.

The issue was raised at City Hall following questions about whether the orbital bus network, which links outer London boroughs, could be expanded to provide overnight connectivity between key destinations across the capital.

Responding to enquiries from members of the London Assembly, Khan said introducing night-time Superloop services would require substantial ongoing funding, with annual operating costs estimated to range from £4 million to almost £10 million depending on service frequency.

According to Transport for London (TfL) estimates, a basic overnight operation running between 1am and 5am would cost around £4 million per year. Increasing service levels to four buses per hour would raise costs to approximately £6.5 million annually, while five and six buses per hour could push expenditure to £7.5 million and £9.5 million respectively.

The Mayor noted that these figures remain indicative and could change following detailed operational assessments and commercial tendering processes.

While acknowledging the potential benefits of improved overnight transport links, Khan confirmed there are currently no plans to introduce dedicated night-time Superloop routes.

The Superloop network was launched in 2023 as part of a wider package of measures designed to improve public transport connectivity, particularly in outer London. The limited-stop orbital routes were introduced alongside the expansion of the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) and have since become a key element of TfL's bus strategy.

Despite ruling out overnight operations, the network continues to expand. TfL has confirmed that a further route, known as the SL12, is scheduled to enter service later this year.

The new route will connect Gants Hill and Rainham, serving key locations including Romford and Elm Park. Buses are expected to operate at frequencies of up to every 12 minutes, further strengthening orbital travel options for passengers in east London.

Khan also pointed out that some sections of the Superloop network already benefit from overnight coverage through existing night bus services. For example, the recently introduced SL11 corridor is served overnight by the N472, reducing the need for a separate dedicated night-time Superloop operation.

The decision reflects the ongoing challenge facing transport authorities as they balance service improvements against funding constraints while seeking to meet growing demand for affordable and sustainable public transport across the capital.