TfL’s latest two ‘Superloop’ route have begun operating, connecting Harrow and North Finchley and North Finchley with Walthamstow Central
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan and Transport for London (TfL) are celebrating the launch of two new express bus services in outer London, and have highlighted the latest ridership figures for previously-introduced Superloop routes, which show demand has increased above the network average level.
New routes SL10 between Harrow and North Finchley and SL1 between North Finchley and Walthamstow Central are both now in operation, the latest in TfL’s series of upgraded routes circling London and forming a key part of the Mayor’s commitment to improving the bus network in outer London to maximise the benefits of the London-wide ULEZ expansion.
The SL10 launched on 25 November and is operated by electric buses, whereas the SL1, launched on 9 December, uses Enviro400City diesels. The introduction of both routes saw a corresponding slight reduction in frequency of parallel all-stops services.
Meanwhile, TfL says new data shows that customers are already taking advantage of the Superloop network and that demand on all Superloop routes has increased above the network average level. According to TfL, the average weekly demand on route SL7 in October increased by 62% compared to the equivalent services before the introduction of the Superloop network. The operator also reports that after the hours of operation on SL8 were increased at launch, the average weekly demand on SL8 in October saw a 15% change relative to June, before the route was rebranded. Although routes SL6 and SL9 had unchanged service levels, TfL reports a 16% change for October compared to June for the SL6, and 3% change for SL9 for the same months.
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said: “It is fantastic to see the Superloop already encouraging more people onto London’s bus network. It’s proving a real game-changer. Now people travelling in outer London are getting another boost before Christmas with two brand new routes coming into service, making it easier to see friends and family, or to visit local town centres or services. I’m delighted to see so many Londoners benefiting from the Superloop so far, and there’s much more to come.”
TfL’s Director of Buses Louise Cheeseman added: “It is great to see that customers are benefiting from the Superloop. The express bus network was made with customers in mind, giving them quicker and more sustainable options when it comes to public transport in outer London. We are pleased to see that the Superloop services that are already part of the network are a firm favourite for those who need to get around the capital, and to be able to offer Londoners even more new instantly recognisable routes.
“The launch of the SL1 means the majority of the Superloop network will be in operation before the end of this year, connecting key outer London town centres and transport hubs in the north west and the south west, making transport even easier for people. We are always working to improve our bus network and we will continue our work to bring the rest of the Superloop routes into service as quickly as possible.”
