Express bus routes linking the suburbs to the centre of London can be an absolute godsend for those who live in the outer zones.
Take the current 607 route, for example. It provides one (slightly long but) handy express route between Uxbridge (Zone 6) and White City (Zone 2), which then opens up a host of easy routes into CENTRAL central London.
As it stands, there are just four of these speedy buses (607, X26, X140 and X68) around London, but Mayor Sadiq Khan has unveiled plans for a ‘Superloop’ of new express bus routes across the capital. These plans were first unveiled in March, and now more detailed proposals for the routes have been mapped out.
What does a ‘Superloop’ entail?
Basically, a more expansive network of express buses in London after a new round of £6 million in funding from City Hall.
To start with, this will mean a rebranding of the current big four express routes to the ‘Superloop’, with TfL also planning to expand the number of buses on these current routes.
For example, the longest bus route in London—the X26, which runs 24 miles between Croydon and Heathrow—is set to offer a service every 15 minutes, instead of two-per-hour, later this year.
What new routes could be hitting the Superloop?
When news of the proposed Superloop first broke, it included initial plans for a route between Harrow and North Finchley, that would helpfully link passengers up to that existing X26.
Now, TfL have confirmed details and maps of potential new bus routes on the Superloop Network.
- X183 (Harrow to Finchley)
- X34 (Finchley to Walthamstow)
- X119 (Croydon to Bromley)
- X269 (Bexleyheath to Bromley)
- X123 (Walthamstow to Royal Docks)
TfL are launching initial consultations for each route, with the X183 proposals getting underway last week (April 28). This proposed route is thought to make for faster routes between the town centres of Harrow, Brent and Barnet in northwest London.
Most new routes won’t be in place by the time ULEZ zones change, but it is hoped that by creating this new set of faster routes that cover greater spaces in London will help following this expansion.
Speaking on the Superloop, Mayor Sadiq Khan said: “The Superloop is part of my plans to improve public transport in outer London. These new routes will substantially improve access to transport services, town centres and hospitals in outer London, and help build a better, greener London for everyone.
“I’m so excited to be kicking off the Superloop journey with our new detailed maps. Londoners can see for themselves where the buses will be stopping and how the Superloop could benefit them.
“I’m also pleased to be launching the first Superloop consultation today with the new X183 route from Harrow to North Finchley. I encourage everyone in the local area to get involved and have their say.”
More sections on the Superloop could include one between North Finchley and Walthamstow, and then between Walthamstow and the Royal Docks. There are also talks for routes from Bexleyheath to Croydon. Fares on the Superloop will be no different to standard bus routes, standings at £1.75 and also allowing the ‘hopper’ option.
This is currently at proposal stages, and will be discussed further with some details subject to change. Keep an eye on our pages for further updates to Superloop plans!