TfL Superloop bus network now encircles capital with final three services in operation

The complete loop of the Superloop bus network is now in operation with the final three services up and running, Transport for London (TfL) has announced.

The launch of the SL2, SL3 and SL5 this year means that the Superloop network now circles the entire capital, connecting communities across outer London.

The 138km loop now connects town centres, hospitals, schools and transport hubs and other key locations across outer London, from Arnos Grove in the north to Woolwich in the east, Croydon in the south and Hayes in the west.

The Superloop network consists of existing bus routes, which have been given new route numbers and branding, and newly proposed bus routes

The network is part of a £6m investment by the mayor to compensate for the impact of the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) expansion, which started on August 29 2023.

The new SL2 is an express service between Walthamstow Central and North Woolwich, while the new SL3 service operates an express service between Thamesmead and Bromley North and the SL5 operates an express service between Bromley North and Croydon Town Centre 

All services run every 12 minutes Monday to Saturday day times and every 15 minutes during all other day service times.  

The final route in the new network, the SL4, will begin operating between Canary Wharf and Grove Park once Silvertown Tunnel opens in 2025.

TfL says the new Superloop services have added more than six million bus kilometres to the capital’s network.

The mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “The Superloop is a game-changing new network of express buses that have added more than six million additional bus kilometres to the capital’s bus network, linking stations, town centres, hospitals and transport hubs. 

“I’m so excited about the benefits these new services will bring by providing Londoners with stronger alternatives to private car use, and helping us to build a better, greener London for everyone. 

 “When I made the tough decision to expand the ULEZ London-wide, one of my key commitments to Londoners was to improve transport links in outer London. Today I’m proud to say I’m delivering on this commitment.”

Glynn Barton, TfL's Chief Operating Officer, said:“We’re determined to make transport better for everyone and these final two orbital services in the Superloop network will make it even easier to get around northeast, east and southeast London. 

“The Superloop was made with customers in mind, giving them quicker and more sustainable options when it comes to public transport in outer London. It’s great to see people using our services across the new network and we’ll continue to work closely with every borough to make the bus network even better." 

Tory critics previously dubbed the Superloop initiative the “Superflop”.

Nick Rogers, the former City Hall Conservatives transport spokesman, said: “Sadiq Khan’s Superloop announcement is a Superflop, amounting to nothing more than a repackaging of existing routes and vague promises that will not be delivered before his Ulez expansion hits Londoners.

“This is a microscopic level of investment. The mayor’s rushed plans have been thrown together in a panic, and do nothing to address the devastating impact of his ULEZ tax.”