TfL rejects calls to extend Superloop bus from Eltham to Woolwich

Transport for London (TfL) has rejected proposals to extend a planned Superloop bus route from Eltham to Woolwich, despite calls from local politicians and campaigners for a faster connection between the two town centres.

The new SL15 limited-stop route, due to launch next year, will run between Clapham Junction and Eltham station, travelling via Streatham Vale, Tulse Hill, West Dulwich, Forest Hill, Catford and Lee along much of the South Circular.

TfL confirmed the route will proceed largely as planned following a public consultation last autumn, although a small number of additional stops have been introduced.

These include an extra stop in Catford at the junction of Brownhill Road and Torridon Road to serve the Corbett Estate and Hither Green, as well as an additional stop in Streatham.

Calls for Woolwich link rejected

During the consultation, councillors from both Greenwich Council’s Labour leadership and the local Conservative group urged TfL to extend the route beyond Eltham to Woolwich, providing a fast link to the Elizabeth line, DLR and national rail services.

Currently, the two areas are connected by bus routes 122 and 161, although the 161 detours via Queen Elizabeth Hospital and can often be delayed by congestion.

Under TfL’s current plans, passengers wishing to travel from the new Superloop route to Woolwich will need to change buses at the Yorkshire Grey roundabout, crossing Eltham Road to catch a 122 service.

TfL said extending the route would create operational challenges.

“Extending the route to Woolwich without shortening it from Clapham Junction would make SL15 very long and difficult to operate reliably,” the transport authority said in its consultation response.

TfL added that the new route is intended to fill gaps in existing direct connections, including links such as Clapham Junction to Clapham Park, rather than duplicating routes already served by other buses.

‘Missed opportunity’ say councillors

Greenwich councillors from both major parties criticised the decision, arguing that a faster connection to Woolwich would help residents access the borough’s main transport hub.

Calum O’Byrne Mulligan, the council’s cabinet member for climate action, sustainability and transport, described the decision as a “missed opportunity”.

“Woolwich is already a major transport hub with the Elizabeth Line, DLR, national rail and multiple bus routes. A direct express bus to Eltham would make it far easier for residents to travel between the north and south of the borough,” he said.

He added that improving connections would support the council’s goal of 75% of journeys in Greenwich being made by walking, cycling or public transport by 2041.

Conservative group leader Matt Hartley echoed the criticism, saying better north–south transport links were needed in the borough.

“It’s a missed opportunity for our borough. Strategically it is north-south transport links that we need, particularly given how important it is to spread the benefits of the Elizabeth Line as far as we can,” he said.

Route details

The SL15 service will operate every 12 minutes during daytime hours Monday to Saturday and every 15 minutes at other times.

TfL confirmed the route will use 70-capacity single-deck buses, rather than double-deck vehicles, because of a low bridge at Tulse Hill. Proposals to alter the route to allow double-deck buses were rejected.