Transport for London (TfL) has confirmed that a new express bus route – the SL12 – will launch in 2026 following strong public support during consultation period.

The service will run between Gants Hill and Ferry Lane in Rainham, providing quicker orbital links across Redbridge, Barking & Dagenham and Havering. It will stop at key destinations including Romford town centre, Queen’s Hospital, Elm Park and the Ferry Lane Industrial Estate.

More than 800 people responded to the consultation held earlier this year, with nearly 80 per cent saying the route would be more convenient for them, and 69 per cent saying they would be more likely to use the bus instead of a private car.

As a result of feedback, TfL has made two changes to the plans:
– The SL12 will be rerouted in Rainham to serve Tesco bus stop F in both directions.
– In Romford, the route will now stop at bus stops Y and Z to give passengers more interchange options.

Suggestions to reroute via Hornchurch and St George’s Health and Wellbeing Hub were not taken forward, with TfL citing journey time impacts and higher operational costs.
Which is disappointing after local Healthwatch Havering campaigned with support from local NHS Trusts, Councillors and MPs  for the route deviation in order to serve the St George’s Hub, meaning the SL12 could have connected the Hub to Queen’s, King George and Goomayes hospitals, along with calling near other local medical centres near South Hornchurch and along the route.
More so as the St George’s site in Hornchurch was deliberately provided with limited car parking facilities in the expectation that patients and staff would
arrive and leave by public transport rather than car.

The SL12 will run every 12 minutes during weekdays and every 15 minutes on Sundays, evenings and early mornings. Standard fares and concessions, including the Hopper fare and Freedom Pass, will apply.

TfL says the service will “improve connectivity, journey times and access to jobs,” particularly at Rainham’s Ferry Lane Industrial Estate, which currently has no direct bus link.

Meanwhile, Leader of Havering Council, Cllr Ray Morgon writes in response to the Outcome of TfL’s Consultation on the Superloop SL12 Route:

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.

Since taking office nearly four years ago, this Administration has made it a top priority to secure better public transport connectivity—particularly for our communities in the south of Havering. We have consistently lobbied the Mayor of London and TfL, both politically and through our officers, to deliver meaningful investment in public transport infrastructure. From opposing the expansion of ULEZ without adequate transport alternatives, to challenging the withdrawal of the 347 bus route, we have never missed an opportunity to make our case.

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 BID, Rainham Tesco and Romford station—ensuring the route serves the real needs of our residents and businesses.

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. It is a welcome step forward in our Infrastructure Vision, which aims to unlock housing, growth, and investment across Havering.

However, 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.

I want to thank everyone who supported our campaign and took part in the consultation. Together, we are shaping a more connected future for Havering.