London's South-East Transformed: New Superloop Bus Route Launches with Free Travel Offer
By James W Kelly
London
Get ready for a game-changer in south-east London's public transport! A brand-new Superloop express bus route, SL11, is set to revolutionize travel between Abbey Wood and North Greenwich, offering a free week of travel for all passengers. This exciting development comes as part of Transport for London's (TfL) commitment to enhancing connectivity and supporting urban regeneration in the area.
The SL11 route will be a limited-stop service, zipping through Thamesmead and Woolwich to significantly reduce travel times and improve connections to the Elizabeth line, DLR, and London Underground. During its inaugural week, passengers can take advantage of free travel, touching in with their Oyster or contactless cards as usual.
This route replaces the daytime service on route 472, with buses running every six minutes during the day on weekdays and Saturdays, ensuring a more frequent and efficient service. Additionally, a new night service, N472, will operate overnight every 30 minutes, catering to the needs of commuters at all hours.
The introduction of the SL11 aligns with the government's funding for extending the DLR from Gallions Reach to Beckton Riverside and Thamesmead, a significant step towards urban regeneration in the area. The route's launch follows a public consultation that received overwhelming support, with over half of respondents expressing that the new route would make their journeys more convenient, and nearly two-thirds believing it would result in quicker travel times.
As the latest addition to the Superloop network, the SL11 will cover a total distance of 135 miles (218km), further expanding the network's reach. London Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan praised the service, emphasizing its role in providing faster and more direct connections in a historically underserved area.
Lorna Murphy, TfL's director of buses, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the service's potential to improve links between rail, Tube, and bus networks in south-east London. She encouraged passengers to take advantage of the free travel offer during the first week.
London TravelWatch, the statutory transport watchdog, described the SL11 as a 'game-changer' for south London residents, who may have been previously underserved by public transport. However, they also emphasized the importance of maintaining existing routes and will continue to advocate for a robust bus service across the capital.
For passengers who previously relied on stops not served by the SL11, there's no need to worry. These stops will continue to be served by other frequent routes, and the Hopper fare allows for unlimited bus journeys within an hour for just £1.75.
Looking ahead, further Superloop routes are in the pipeline, including proposed services in east, west, and south London, with consultations either recently concluded or under review. The existing Superloop network has already proven to be a positive force, enhancing local transport services in areas that needed it most.
So, mark your calendars for the SL11's launch and get ready to experience the future of travel in south-east London! Stay tuned for more updates on the Superloop network's expansion, and don't forget to follow BBC London for the latest news and travel tips.
