On 19 August, Transport for London launched its third route to form part of the Superloop express bus network.
Route X26, which connects communities between Heathrow Central and West Croydon is now known as the SL7. With this change, the service has doubled in frequency to offer one bus every 15 minutes.
This increased service is part of the Mayor’s plans to establish the Superloop network of express bus services in outer London to strengthen and improve public transport options and maximise the benefits of London’s ULEZ expansion.
“The Superloop will be a gamechanger for travel around outer London, delivering quicker links between transport hubs, town centres, schools and hospitals.
“These new services will provide Londoners with even stronger alternatives to private car use, and help us to build a better, greener London for everyone.”
In addition to increased frequency, other improvements to follow on many of the SL7 buses will include improved customer information, USB charging and luggage racks.
SL7 buses serve the same stops as the previous X26; however, some of the bus stop names have changed to better reflect their locations, such as Wood Street becoming Kingston Wood Street.
The Superloop network is now comprised of routes SL6, SL7 and SL8. SL6 runs between West Croydon and Russell Square, while SL8 operates between Uxbridge and White City.
From 26 August, X140 will also become the SL9 running between Heathrow and Harrow.
To complete the network, TfL is consulting on proposed Superloop services for additional routes connecting Walthamstow and North Woolwich, Thamesmead and Bromley, and Bromley and Croydon.
Subject to these consultations, the full Superloop network will be complete by Spring 2024, with the exception of route SL4, which will start when the Silvertown tunnel opens in 2025.
