Transport for London (TfL) has announced that the city’s new Superloop network of express bus services now circles the entire UK capital.
This milestone has been achieved with the final three services in the loop coming into operation: SL2, SL3 and SL5.
The 138-kilometre loop connects key locations across outer London, adding more than six million bus kilometres to the capital’s network.
The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: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.
Specifically, the new SL2 has been launched as an express service between Walthamstow Central and North Woolwich; the SL3 efficiently connects Thamesmead and Bromley North; and the SL5 provides an express service between Bromley North and Croydon Town Centre.
These new Superloop services will be operated by Arriva and Stagecoach.
Prior to the completion of the loop, TfL data has already shown that Superloop services are popular with the public. Indeed, early ridership data indicates that demand for the initial routes is 15 percent higher than the network average.
Significantly, this milestone now means that more than 95 percent of Londoners live within 400 metres of a bus stop, with fares costing just 1.74 GBP for unlimited journeys within an hour.
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.
SL4 will be the final route in the new network and will begin operations between Canary Wharf and Grove Park once the Silvertown Tunnel opens in 2025.
