Havering residents have backed a new Superloop bus service promised for their “neglected” North East London borough.
Following a consultation, the SL12 Superloop route – which will run between Gants Hill and Rainham via Romford and Elm Park in 2026 – was officially confirmed on 11 September.
Havering had previously been excluded from the speedy London bus service, which was launched in 2023.
Ian Pirie, 82, co-ordinator for Havering Friends of the Earth, said: “People were annoyed when [TfL] missed Havering out. We’re a rather neglected part of London.”
“Public transport is what we ought to be focusing on.
“I’m an active part of the community, so anything that helps people move across the borough is a step forward.”
Student Ayensur Isik, who works part-time at the Elm Park Cafe which is located next to a proposed Superloop stop, regularly uses the bus service to travel to university, and said she felt the new SL12 would be a good thing for the area, particularly for those in education.
In 2023, Mayor of London Sadiq Khan announced the introduction of the Superloop network in light of the ULEZ expansion in August of that year.
In North East London, the Superloop extended from Walthamstow Central to North Woolwich, via Gants Hill, Ilford, and Barking, but – to the anger of area locals – not as far as Havering.
Following the backlash, a consultation to incorporate the 250,000-person borough into the speedy bus network was launched earlier this year by TfL, who have since confirmed that the SL12 service will arrive in 2026.
Havering Cllr Ray Morgan said that the introduction of the TfL service “[marked] a significant milestone” in a “long-standing campaign” to improve transport links across the borough.
He said: “I am delighted to welcome the outcome of Transport for London’s consultation on the new SL12 Superloop route and the confirmation of this vital connection for Havering.”
Lorna Murphy, TfL’s Director of Buses, said: “We’re pleased to see positive feedback for the new SL12 express bus following the consultation. This service will significantly enhance transport links and journey times in east London.
“Work is now underway to get the SL12 up and running for customers with the aim of launching in 2026. As always, we’ll continue to monitor travel patterns to ensure the network meets local demand.”
Featured Image Credit: Lulu Goad
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