TfL: Sadiq Khan launches new Superloop bus routes serving Harrow, Barnet, Enfield and Waltham Forest

Two new bus services in outer London have been added to Sadiq Khan's 'Superloop' network.

Transport for London's (TfL) SL10 route, between Harrow and North Finchley, is now operating. The SL1, between North Finchley and Walthamstow Central, launches on Saturday (December 9).

The Superloop scheme was created in a bid to improve connectivity in Outer London, amid criticism that the expanded Ultra Low Emission Scheme (ULEZ) impacts hard-up households that need their vehicles.

SL1: North Finchley - Walthamstow Central

The SL1 route increases transport options in Barnet, Enfield and Waltham Forest, as well as providing extra capacity on the busiest parts of the route.

SL10: North Finchley - Harrow

The SL10 is an electric express route, fitted with USB ports for customers, launched on November 25. It runs alongside part of the 183 route between Harrow and Hendon, the busiest part of this route, and part of the 125 route between Hendon and North Finchley, which is expected to see more customers in the future due to the Brent Cross and Colindale developments.

Superloop data

TfL says new data shows demand on all Superloop routes has increased above the network average level. It said the average weekly demand on route SL7 in October has seen a 62% change relative to June - before it was rebranded.

The hours of operation on SL8 were increased at launch and the average weekly demand in October has seen a 15% change relative to June. Although SL6 and SL9 had unchanged service levels, there was a 16% change for October relative to June, and 3% for SL9 for the same months.

Frequency on route SL7 (Heathrow Central and West Croydon) doubled from two buses per hour to four buses per hour when it launched in August, leading to an increase in passenger usage, TfL said.

According to plans, the full loop of the Superloop will be complete by spring 2024, as the SL2, SL3 and SL5 enter service. The SL4, which runs from Canary Wharf to Grove Park, will open in 2025. Plans for the proposed SL5 route from Bromley to Croydon have today been confirmed following consultation.

TfL says more than 95% of Londoners now live within 400 metres of a bus stop.

The Mayor’s Hopper Fare means customers can take unlimited journeys within an hour for just £1.75, meaning customers can save money on multi-route journeys.

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan

The 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 benefitting from the Superloop so far, and there’s much more to come."

TfL Superloop buses

Louise Cheeseman, TfL’s director of buses, said: “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."

Heathrow Airport

Tim Leech, head of surface access strategy and sponsorship at Heathrow Airport, said: “It’s really positive to see such high levels of demand for the Superloop service between Heathrow Central and West Croydon. Bus routes are important for thousands of passengers and colleagues travelling to Heathrow, and we look forward to continuing to work with TfL to deliver quicker and more sustainable travel options for our customers.”