2 London bus routes could be merged ahead of Superloop 2

A SL7 Superloop London bus
-Credit: (Image: Andy's UK Transport Page)


Sadiq Khan has not ruled out fusing two Superloop London bus routes together in an effort to improve services. It comes after Transport for London (TfL) admitted that some of its express bus routes - which stop fewer times - have encountered issues.

The SL7 is currently the longest route operating in London. In July, MyLondon reported that TfL said it is therefore 'susceptible to traffic conditions as it travels through key town centres and shopping hubs in Outer London'.

Documents stated: "If permitted, we would seek to consult on reducing the length of the route to improve reliability." Papers, however, added that the SL1, SL5 and SL10 are 'performing well and better than the contractual minimum standard with bus speeds in line with expected performance'.

READ MORE: Whistleblower London bus drivers ‘exhausted’ and ‘use faulty vehicles’ in ‘dangerous’ conditions

'Potential route improvements to SL5 and SL7 explored'

Sadiq Khan, Mayor, City of London speaks onstage
TfL has explored potential route improvements to SL5 and SL7, Sadiq Khan says -Credit:Leigh Vogel/Getty Images for Concordia Summit

Conservative London Assembly Member Neil Garratt asked the Mayor of London, who is also Chair of TfL: "Does TfL still plan to hold a consultation on removing the SL7 between Croydon and Sutton and replacing it with an extended SL5? If so, when will the consultation open?"

Mr Khan said: "Transport for London (TfL) continues to monitor the new Superloop bus network and how it can best meet the needs of Londoners. This also includes identifying opportunities to make further improvements to journey times, reliability, and access to the network.

"TfL has explored potential route improvements to SL5 and SL7, and continues to analyse customer demand and route performance to establish the potential benefit for communities along these routes. If significant changes are proposed for either route, a public consultation would be undertaken in the usual way."

Flyers released 'in error'

Consultation flyers released 'in error' during the summer revealed plans to amend the SL5 and SL7 routes. TfL confirmed at the time that a Superloop consultation will take place following the General Election.

The proposed changes would see the SL7 route shortened to run between Heathrow Airport and Sutton, rather than going all the way to its current terminus in West Croydon. This shortening would be countered by moving the SL5 start route from Croydon to Sutton, as it heads towards Bromley.

A map of initial Superloop 2 route plans
The Superloop 2 was announced during the mayoral election campaign in the spring

In July, the Mayor told MyLondon that he does not expect the first Superloop 2 routes to be rolled out until next year. Mr Khan pledged more express bus services during the mayoral election campaign in the spring.

The Mayor added at the time that he hopes to learn from 'teething problems' that have affected the first wave of Superloop buses.

TfL publishes its public consultations here.

Get the latest travel news from London's roads, trains and buses with our new London Traffic and Travel newsletter. You can sign up HERE.