TfL confirms next sections of Superloop bus network in outer London

TfL is to launch two new express bus services as part of the Superloop network by spring next year.

The two new routes are the SL2, which will connect Walthamstow Central and North Woolwich, and the SL3, which will connect Thamesmead and Bromley.

Launched earlier this year, Superloop is a transformative network of express bus services to enhance public transport provision in outer London and maximise the benefits of the London-wide ULEZ expansion, which came into effect on 29 August.

The first Superloop bus (SL8) was launched in July and there are currently four Superloop services in operation. Two further routes will launch later this year and the loop will be complete by spring 2024, subject to consultation, with the exception of route SL4, which will start when the Silvertown tunnel opens in 2025.

The new express route, SL2, will run between Walthamstow Central and North Woolwich via Ilford and Barking, with additional stops following public consultation around North Woolwich, Beckton and Gallions Reach.

The new express route SL3 will run between Thamesmead and Bromley via Sidcup providing new links across these key locations and providing extra capacity.

Both routes will run every 12 minutes Monday to Saturday and every 15 minutes on evenings and Sundays.

TfL is committed to enhancing the bus network so that more than 95 per cent of Londoners living within 400 metres of a bus stop. In addition to plans for the Superloop, TfL continues to pursue enhancements to the bus network in partnership with London's boroughs. Thanks to the Mayor's Hopper Fare, customers can take unlimited journeys within an hour for £1.75, making multi-route journeys more affordable.

The 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. 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."

Geoff Hobbs, TfL's Director of Public Transport Service Planning, said, "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.”

Michael Roberts, Chief Executive of London TravelWatch, said, "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.

"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.”

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.”