Nepal UK
LONDON — A new express bus route, the BL1, has launched in south-east London with free fares for its first week.
The service, a key part of the expanded Superloop network, provides a direct link between Waterloo station and Lewisham, mirroring the proposed route of the long-awaited Bakerloo Tube line extension.
The introduction of the electric double-decker bus route comes in response to ongoing delays in securing central government funding for the Tube extension, which has been in discussion for years.
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan has stated that the new route offers an immediate, greener transport solution for Londoners. The BL1 service operates every 12 minutes on weekdays and Saturdays, and every 15 minutes during evenings and on Sundays.
The free travel period is available to customers using a valid Oyster card or contactless device until 5 October 2025, after which the standard London bus fare of £1.75 will apply.
While the bus route provides a significant transport boost for the area, the long-term goal of the Tube extension remains. The project is projected to cost up to £7.9 billion and would support the development of thousands of new homes and jobs.
The BL1 route, with its unique brown livery and USB charging ports, is designed to give the public a preview of the benefits the full Tube line could bring.
