Two new parts of London’s new Superlook network have been confirmed to go ahead by spring 2024 following public consultation by Transport for London (TfL).
The SL2 from Walthamstow Central-North Woolwich and SL3 between Thamesmead-Bromley will be new express routes on the eastern arc of the outer London loop, which has been introduced in stages since its launch in March. Next steps for the SL5, on which consultation also closed on 4 September, are still being considered.
SL2 run via Ilford and Barking as proposed but, following feedback, additional stops will be included. It will run every 12 minutes Monday to Saturday and every 15 minutes on Sunday.
SL3 will go via Sidcup as planned and provide new links to Bexleyheath and Bromley, running every 12 minutes throughout the week except for Sundays when frequency will be 15 minutes.
TfL says feedback from the consultations showed support for the Superloop and that 63% and 67% respectively say the SL2 and SL3 services would make their journeys more convenient.
According to the latest tender results, the SL2 will be covered by Arriva via existing double-deckers with a peak vehicle requirement (PVR) of 16. The SL3 will be run by Stagecoach with a PVR of 15 and still-to-be-specified double-deckers.
In July, the SL8 became the first route to carry Superloop branding, followed by the SL6, SL7 and SL9. The SL1 and SL10 will be launched later this year. The SL4 from Canary Wharf-Grove Park will begin when the Silvertown tunnel opens in 2025.
As for the SL5 route, a TfL spokesperson says: “As part of our ongoing work to provide a transformative network of express bus services to enhance public transport provision in outer London, we are currently still considering next steps for the SL5 following the recent consultation and will confirm our plans and response to consultation in due course. We remain committed to delivering the Superloop, including the SL5, by spring 2024, with the exception of route SL4, which will enter into service alongside the opening of Silvertown Tunnel in 2025.”
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan adds: “The 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, following public consultation, TfL has today confirmed it will introduce two Superloop routes by spring 2024 – the SL2, which will connect Walthamstow Central and North Woolwich, and the SL3, which will connect Thamesmead and Bromley. 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.”
