TfL Superloop: THREE new bus routes proposed for Bromley, Croydon, Waltham Forest, Redbridge and Greenwich

Three proposed new ‘Superloop’ TfL bus routes are open for public consultation.

Transport for London (TfL) is inviting people to have their say on the new SL2 (Walthamstow Central to North Woolwich), SL3 (Thamesmead to Bromley) and SL5 (Bromley to Croydon) services.

TfL says the proposed routes would allow for quicker journey times and additional transport options in Bromley, Croydon, North Woolwich and Walthamstow.

In addition, from August 19, the SL7 between Heathrow and West Croydon will double in frequency so that buses run every 15 minutes instead of every 30. The SL8 between Uxbridge and White City will see its timetable extended so that buses run earlier and later than they currently do.

Last week TfL launched route SL8, the first to carry the Superloop branding.

TfL says more than 95% of Londoners live within 400m of a bus stop, and that with the Hopper fares offering unlimited journeys within an hour for £1.75, buses are the most accessible, available and affordable form of public transport.

SL2 Walthamstow to North Woolwich

Proposals for route SL2 mean that it would run alongside part of the existing route 123 between Walthamstow and Ilford, and would serve Barking and the eastern Royal Docks, which are expected to see busier transport services in the future. The SL2 would run every 12 minutes, Monday to Saturday, and every 15 minutes during evenings and Sundays. During Monday to Saturday daytimes there would be a combined frequency at the shared stops on the proposed SL2 and the 123 of buses of around 11 buses per hour. The consultation is open until September 4.

SL3 Thamesmead to Bromley

Proposals for route SL3 mean that the service would run alongside part of the existing route 301 between Thamesmead and Bexleyheath, and the 269 bus route between Bexleyheath and Bromley. The SL3 would run every 12 minutes, Monday to Saturday, and every 15 minutes during evenings and Sundays. During Monday to Saturday daytimes there would be a combined frequency at the common stops on the proposed SL3 and the 301, and the proposed SL3 and the 269 of around 10 buses per hour. The consultation is open until September 4.

SL5 Bromley to Croydon

Proposals for route SL5 mean that this new express route would run between Bromley North and Croydon Town Centre. The SL5 would run every 12 minutes, Monday to Saturday, and every 15 minutes during evenings and Sundays.  The consultation is open until September 4.

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan

The mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: "The proposed 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 last week we launched the first Superloop buses, and now we’re asking Londoners to have their say on proposals for some of the new Superloop routes. I’m excited about the benefits these new services could bring by providing Londoners with more alternatives to private car use, and helping us to build a better, greener London for everyone. I encourage all Londoners to respond to the consultation."

Geoff Hobbs, director of public transport service planning, said: "Buses are an important life line for millions of Londoners each year. The proposed Superloop has an important role to play as we aim to increase the number of customers choosing to travel by bus across London and make the network zero-carbon by 2030. The proposed routes would become a key part of the capital's transport network and provide a vital link for people living in, working in and visiting outer London. Feedback from customers is hugely important and I would urge everyone to respond to the consultation. This will enable us to create a bus service which benefits everyone travelling throughout the areas."

TravelWatch

Michael Roberts, chief executive of London TravelWatch, said: “We welcome the proposed new Superloop bus services as we know that many people value being able to travel across boroughs so they can then connect to local transport interchanges. The express services will need to have bus priority measures in place though to make sure that passengers don’t get stuck in traffic jams.

“In theory Superloop should make it easier for people in outer London boroughs to get around for work, healthcare appointments, schools and shopping trips. We need these extra services to be in place as soon as possible and that’s why we’re encouraging people to respond to TfL’s local consultations.”

Councillor Jas Athwal, leader of Redbridge Council said: “Many families living in outer London boroughs like Redbridge rely on bus routes in our everyday lives and the proposed Superloop will make a huge positive difference, connecting outer London boroughs and cutting down journey times. The Superloop consultation is a great opportunity for local people to have our say and help shape plans for an enhanced bus service around the capital.”

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