Transport for London (TfL) and London Mayor Sadiq Khan have hailed the patronage success of the Superloop as the last route on the orbital section of the network rolls into service.
Following the launch of the SL2 between Walthamstow Central and North Woolwich on 2 March, TfL reports 15% higher patronage for the initial routes on the 138km loop compared to the average for the entire capital.
With the SL3 and SL5 also beginning operation earlier this year, only the SL4 connecting Canary Wharf and Grove Park remains to be in service, awaiting the opening of the Silvertown Tunnel in 2025.
The Superloop is a series of 10 express bus routes, which launched in March 2023 and is formed of both renumbered and loop services. Seven of them form a “loop” around London, although a gap remains between the SL2 and SL3, ending at North Woolwich and Thamesmead respectively, due to the lack of a road crossing there over the Thames. It also includes the SL8 from Uxbridge to White City, the SL4 from Croydon to Russell Square and the SL4.
The network links up with 310 other bus routes, 49 rail stations and 23 different rail lines. Early figures shows almost half of all Superloop journeys involve an interchange with another form of public transport.
Mr Khan says: “I’m thrilled that the full loop of the Superloop is complete, following the launch of three routes this year, the SL2, SL3 and SL5, meaning that services circle the entire city.
“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.”
Between June and October last year, demand on the first four Superloop routes grew by 16% – as against network average growth over the same period of 1%.
Glynn Barton, TfL’s Chief Operating Officer, adds: “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.”
