New data from Transport for London (TfL) indicates a rise in demand for the Superloop express bus services, showing an average growth of nine percent higher than the network average across all Superloop routes since June 2023.
Since its launch, the first Superloop route, the SL8, has seen an 18 percent increase in ridership between June 2023 and May 2024.
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan commented on the success, stating, “The Superloop is making a real difference improving public transport in Outer London, adding more than six million additional bus kilometres per year to the capital’s bus network and linking stations, town centres, hospitals and transport hubs.”
The SL8 route, running between Uxbridge and White City, was the first to be renumbered, offering an instantly recognisable express service. Improvements to the SL8 included more frequent services, extended operating hours, USB charging, and new priority seating, which contributed to its popularity.
The Superloop network has grown to cover 138km, connecting key locations across outer London. The SL7 route, which replaced the X26 route between West Croydon and Heathrow Airport, saw the largest increase in patronage, with a 91 percent rise in journeys following a doubling of service frequency. The SL6 route, running from Russell Square to West Croydon, experienced a 20 percent increase in the same period.
The network’s expansion is set to continue, with the SL4 route scheduled to launch between Canary Wharf and Grove Park once the Silvertown Tunnel opens in 2025. This expansion will further integrate the Superloop with London’s extensive public transport network.
Commuters in Harrow also experienced an upgrade in their public transport options in August last year as the well-known route X140 underwent a transformation, being renumbered and rebranded as the SL9.
The launch, which took place in August 2023, marked another step in the expansion of the Superloop network. The revamped SL9 route maintains its connection between Harrow and Heathrow Central, serving the same places and stops as the X140.
TfL’s Director of Buses, Nick Owen, stressed the positive impact of the Superloop, stating, “It is encouraging to see customer demand continuing to grow in response to a new express service in outer London within its first year of inception. The data shows it’s already transforming travel with millions of journeys each year.”
Mayor Khan also shared his ambitions for further improvements, mentioning plans for “Superloop 2,” which would double the number of services, supporting his vision for a fairer, greener London.
Chris Mitchell is the founder and editor of Harrow Online, Harrow’s leading local news platform.
He launched Harrow Online in 2010 as a Facebook page sharing local news and information. Since then, it has grown into a trusted source for breaking news, crime, council decisions, planning, transport, business and community stories across the borough.
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