Plans for a new express bus service covering London’s outer boroughs has been announced by TFL after plans to expand London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) were announced last year.
The scheme intends to create a well-connected bus service by introducing new limited-stop bus routes, as well as improving existing routes for outer-borough areas.
The new routes would be implemented alongside improvements to existing routes such as the X26 route from West Croydon to Heathrow Airport and the X68 from Russell Square to West Croydon.
Routes from Croydon via bus
| Heathrow | X26 | 102 mins |
| Kingston Upon Thames | X26 | 60 mins (15 walk) |
| Waterloo | 468 | 74 mins (13 walk) |
| Bromley | 119 | 50 mins |
A route connecting Harrow with North Finchley will be the first to be created, with future routes proposed to run between Walthamstow and North Finchley, the Royal Docks and Walthamstow as well as links proposed between Bromley and Bexleyheath and Croydon and Bromley.
The controversial expansion of ULEZ in August this year will see car owners pay a £12.50 daily charge for the use of vehicles which do not meet ULEZ emission standards, in a bid to improve London’s air quality.
Transport for London said: “Buses are the most affordable, accessible and available forms of public transport in London. They are the main sustainable alternative to cars for journeys that can’t easily be walked or cycled… these initiatives would provide additional alternatives to private cars, and protect London’s air.”
Marketing director, Tom Melhuish, told ELL: “As a Kingston resident, the new superloop will be a game-changer for my family: saving £6/day on work commute and bypassing ULEZ issues for trips to Croydon friends.”
Clive Power, a communications director from Redbridge told ELL: “I am pleased that more attention is being paid to circular journeys, not just those heading towards the centre. A fast, limited-stop service between Ilford & Redbridge will be an improvement. It’s just a shame this obvious innovation didn’t happen long ago.”
However not everyone is satisfied with the new scheme with many saying that it does not do enough for those living outside the routes covered by the Superloop and many concerned that it will not be completed before the ULEZ expansion in August this year
The exact routes and stops of the Superloop are yet to be confirmed following consultation with boroughs and the public.
