New Bakerloop BL1 Service Makes Travel to CTK Sites Easier, Greener and Quicker
Christ the King Sixth Forms is delighted to share the launch of the brand-new Bakerloop BL1 express bus route, which begins service on Saturday 27 September 2025. This exciting new transport link will make travelling to our sites in Lewisham — CTK Emmanuel and CTK Aquinas— easier, greener, and quicker for our students, staff and local community.
What is the BL1?
The BL1 Bakerloop route has been introduced by Transport for London to provide a fast, reliable and environmentally friendly connection between Waterloo, Elephant & Castle, Old Kent Road, New Cross Gate and Lewisham. The service mirrors the proposed Bakerloo Line extension, offering an express option with fewer stops and quicker journey times.
All vehicles on the BL1 are fully electric, equipped with USB charging points, priority seating and accessible features, making journeys both comfortable and sustainable.
Why it matters for CTK students and staff
With sites located in the Lewisham borough, CTK Emmanuel and CTK Aquinas — along with Christ the King Sixth Forms more broadly — are now better connected to central London and surrounding areas. The BL1 means:
- Quicker journeys: Fewer stops and a more direct route
- Greener travel: Fully electric buses reduce emissions and support a healthier environment
- Improved connectivity: Easier access to and from central London and across Lewisham
Free travel in the first week
To celebrate the launch, all pay-as-you-go journeys on BL1 will be free from 27 September to 5 October 2025. Passengers just need to tap in with their Oyster or contactless card, and no fare will be charged.
Service details
- Start date: Saturday 27 September 2025
- Frequency: Every 12 minutes (Monday–Saturday), every 15 minutes on evenings, Sundays and early mornings
- Route: Waterloo – Elephant & Castle – Old Kent Road – New Cross Gate – Lewisham
For more information, visit the official TfL announcement
At Christ the King Sixth Forms, we are committed to ensuring our students and staff have safe, sustainable and convenient travel options. We are excited to see the positive impact the BL1 service will bring to our community.