During spring this year Transport for London (TfL) announced proposals to expand the Superloop bus network to include additional express bus routes including the SL12.
Following a consultation, TfL has confirmed that the new route -which will connect Gants Hill and Rainham via Romford – has been approved and will serve the borough from 2026.
No specific launch date has been set but will be announced nearer to the time.
The consultation report confirmed the SL12 will be rerouted in Rainham to additionally serve Rainham Tesco bus stop F in both directions.
The route will also serve bus stops Y and Z for access to Romford station, instead of the previously proposed bus stops V and T.
This change will provide customers with a “greater choice of bus routes to choose from” when travelling south from bus stop Y, and when travelling north from bus stop Z in Romford.
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Rainham Tesco bus stop F will also be served in both directions at all times.
The route will run every 12 minutes during Monday to Saturday daytimes and every 15 minutes during Sundays, evenings and early mornings.
Havering Council leader Ray Morgon 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.
“This marks a significant milestone in our long-standing campaign to improve north-south transport links across the borough.
“The announcement of the SL12 route, running between Gants Hill and Rainham via Romford and Elm Park, is a direct result of our persistent efforts.
“We are especially pleased that TfL will also include key stops at Rainham Tesco and Romford station—ensuring the route serves the real needs of our residents and businesses.”
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There were 805 responses to TfL’s consultation, including 779 responses from the public.
Seventy-nine per cent of the 588 people who answered the question “based on our proposals, do you think a new SL12 express route would be more of less convenient for you to use?” said ‘yes’.
Cllr Morgon added: “This new connection will not only enhance access to growing industry and employment hubs in the south, but also provide vital interchange opportunities with the Elizabeth line, Overground, and London Underground.
“While this is a positive development, it is only the beginning.
“We will continue to campaign for further improvements to better link up the borough and provide sustainable, long-term transport solutions for our residents.”
