The final three services in Transport for London’s (TfL’s) CiTTi Award-winning Superloop network of express bus services are now in operation.
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.
The launch of the SL2, SL3 and SL5 this year means that the Superloop network now circles all of London.
The 138km (87-mile) loop has added more than six million bus kilometres to the UK capital’s network – more than the four million originally forecast, with demand in the initial routes reportedly 15% higher than the network average.
What’s more the Superloop network now connects people with 310 other bus routes, 49 rail stations and 23 different rail lines, while almost half of all Superloop journeys involve an interchange with another mode of public transport, according to TfL’s early ridership figures.
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.”
The final route in the new network, the SL4, will begin operating between Canary Wharf and Grove Park once Silvertown Tunnel opens in 2025.
Achievements and innovations in public transport will be celebrated at the third annual CiTTi Awards, which will be held on 26 November 2024 at De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms in London. Nominations are open now! Please visit www.cittiawards.co.uk to learn more about this unmissable event for the UK’s transportation sector.
