New London express bus launched with free rides for the first week
The next London Superloop express bus service has officially launched, and travellers will be able to ride the service for free during its first week of operation.
The new SL11 Superloop bus service runs as a limited-stop express service between Abbey Wood and North Greenwich via Thamesmead and Woolwich, providing a sustainable, faster transport option through this area.
The new bus route will also support the upcoming extension of the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) to new stations at Beckton Riverside and Thamesmead.
To celebrate the launch of the new bus route, pay-as-you-go customers will be able to travel on SL11 at no charge during the first week.
Travellers will still need to tap in when entering the bus using their Oyster or contactless cards, but they will not be charged.
Following the launch of SL11, Superloop bus routes now span a total of 218km.
The SL11 bus will replace bus route 472 during the daytime, and will run at a much higher frequency while also taking a more direct route through Woolwich town centre.
Buses will run every six minutes during the day on Monday to Saturday between 07:00 and 21:00, and every 10-12 minutes during other daytime periods.
A new N472 night route will also be introduced that will serve all bus stops currently served by the 472 bus.
Travellers who use the bus stops on route 472 that will no longer be served by route SL11 may need to use other bus routes and change to complete their journeys.
“In my manifesto I pledged to bring in Superloop-style express buses while major projects like the DLR to Thamesmead are underway, and I’m proud to have delivered on this,” said London Mayor Sadiq Khan.
“Replacing the 472 with this faster, more direct service will help to support early regeneration plans in Thamesmead and boost transport links in a historically under-served part of London.”
