Get ready for a transport revolution in South East London! A brand new express bus route, the SL11, is set to transform your commute, and here's the best part: you can ride it for free during its entire first week!
This isn't just any bus route; it's a Superloop express service, designed to slash your journey times. Starting Saturday, the SL11 will zip between Abbey Wood and North Greenwich, making limited stops to ensure speed and efficiency. Think of it as a direct express to better connections, especially for those looking to hop onto the Elizabeth line, DLR, or the London Underground.
But here's where it gets even better for your wallet: Transport for London (TfL) is offering a free travel period for all pay-as-you-go customers using an Oyster or contactless card from January 24th to January 30th. Remember, you still need to tap in and out, even though you won't be charged!
The SL11 is essentially an upgraded version of the current daytime route 472. It's not just replacing it; it's enhancing it significantly. You can expect buses to arrive every six minutes during peak hours on weekdays and Saturdays, meaning less waiting and more moving. And for those night owls? A new N472 night service will be running every 30 minutes, ensuring you can get home no matter the hour.
And this is the part most people miss: This new route is a key piece of the puzzle for the regeneration of Thamesmead. It aligns perfectly with ambitious plans to extend the DLR from Gallions Reach all the way to Beckton Riverside and Thamesmead, a project that recently secured crucial government funding in the Autumn Budget. This means even more integrated transport in the future!
The launch of the SL11 comes after a public consultation where TfL found overwhelming support. A significant majority of respondents felt the new route would be more convenient, and nearly two-thirds predicted it would lead to much quicker journeys. It's clear the community is excited about this upgrade.
The SL11 now proudly joins the Superloop network, a collection of express bus services circling outer London. This network has already been a massive success, carrying approximately 60 million passengers since its inception. With the addition of the SL11, the Superloop will now span an impressive 135 miles (218km)!
'Historically under-served' is a phrase that has often been used to describe parts of South East London when it comes to public transport. London Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan highlighted that this new service aims to rectify that, providing faster and more direct connections in an area that has long been in need of improved public transport. He stated, "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."
Lorna Murphy, TfL's director of buses, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing how the SL11 will improve links between rail, Tube, and bus networks in South East London. She encouraged everyone to take advantage of the free travel week.
Even the statutory transport watchdog for London, London TravelWatch, has hailed the SL11 as a "gamechanger" for residents who may have felt underserved by public transport. They added, "However we are keen that TfL ensures any new routes are not at the detriment of existing routes, and we will continue to lobby for a robust bus service across the capital."
Now, here's a point that might spark some debate: While the SL11 offers fantastic new benefits, passengers who relied on stops on the old 472 route that are not served by the SL11 will need to make changes. TfL assures that these stops will still be covered by other frequent bus routes, and the Hopper fare (£1.75 for unlimited bus journeys within an hour) will be a lifesaver. But does this mean some areas might experience a reduction in direct service? What are your thoughts on this trade-off?
And the Superloop expansion isn't stopping here! TfL is actively planning further routes in East, West, and South London, with consultations either recently concluded or under review. London TravelWatch also noted, "The existing Superloop network of buses has been really positive for Londoners, helping to enhance services in areas that most need better local transport services."
What do you think about the new SL11 route? Will it make a difference to your commute? Do you agree that this is a 'gamechanger' for South East London, or do you have concerns about the changes to existing services? Let us know in the comments below!
