Two new express bus services, part of the Superloop network, will be introduced by spring 2024 following public consultation, TfL has confirmed. New route SL2 will run between Walthamstow Central and North Woolwich, and SL3 will run between Thamesmead and Bromley, adding to TfL’s new network of ‘transformative’ express bus services designed to enhance public transport provision in outer London and maximise the benefits of the London-wide ULEZ expansion.
TfL says that the majority of feedback from consultations for both routes showed support for the Superloop, with 63% of people responding that the new SL2 would make their journey more convenient, while 67% felt the SL3 would do the same. Furthermore, 69% of respondents said that the SL2 would make journeys quicker, as did 70% of people responding to the SL3 consultation.
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said: “The Superloop will be a gamechanger for travel around outer London, delivering quicker links to transport hubs, town centres, schools and hospitals. I am delighted that following public consultation, TfL has today confirmed it will introduce two Superloop routes by spring 2024 – the SL2, which will connect Walthamstow Central and North Woolwich, and the SL3, which will connect Thamesmead and Bromley. It was great to see Londoners showing their support for these new routes through the consultation and sharing my excitement about the benefits these new services will bring by providing Londoners with more alternatives to private car use, and helping us to build a better, greener London for everyone.”
TfL’s Director of Public Transport Service Planning Geoff Hobbs added: “The two new Superloop services will provide significantly quicker journeys between busy transport hubs, town centres, hospitals and schools across outer London, as well as offering more travel options connecting to numerous other bus routes. The SL2 and SL3 will join the current Superloop services with a new look and feel to the buses, as well as providing cleaner, cost-effective and sustainable options for customers. The SL1 and SL10 express bus services will also be launching later this year, and we are busy working with operators and other partners behind the scenes to introduce these new routes as quickly as possible, so that our customers can make the most of our ever-improving bus network.”
Chief Executive of London TravelWatch commented: “We’re pleased to see that more Superloop bus routes are being introduced. These orbital express services are vital, especially now that ULEZ has expanded to outer London boroughs such as Waltham Forest, Bromley and Bexley. It’s really important that these Superloop buses have priority on the roads right from the start to avoid getting stuck in traffic jams. After all, passengers will expect to be able to get to where they want to be quickly – whether that’s work, a healthcare appointment, school or a shopping centre.”
