Transport for London plans to change Superloop routes have been “leaked” in error by the organisation – and MyLondon readers aren’t too pleased with what’s going to be proposed. TfL has confirmed that a consultation will take place following the General Election on July 4.
There are two routes that the leaked flyers show potential changes to. The SL7, formerly the X26 before the recent Superloop rebrand, currently stands as London’s longest bus route. It would be shortened to run between Heathrow Airport and Sutton, and have new stops added at Feltham and Harlington Corner.
The SL5 would take on some of the burden of a shortened SL7 route, moving the start of the route into Sutton. The changes would also see the old stop at Beddington Plough, which was withdrawn some years ago, reinstated as part of the new SL5 route.
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On MyLondon, reader Dvs writes: “If the stop in Feltham is added I’d use the SL7 far more (depending on exactly where it is, near the station?). Moving the terminus does have obvious drawbacks, though a shorter route would probably be delayed less.”
Lizb59 says: “If they are amending SL5, they should add a stop at Sandilands so that it’s possible for people coming from Beckenham and Wimbledon.”
Bikersmolly says: “SL buses dont really help… they dont go places people want to go!” P94 disagrees: “Lots of people travel to Heathrow. Lots of people travel the other SL routes as far as I know. But I think express routes can also be added for the busiest routes such as 18 to better manage the overcrowding.”
Over on Facebook, Alan Wheeler says: “The extra SL7 stops are ill thought out as well. Harlington Corner is especially daft, it’s so close to the airport and serviced by loads of local buses a stop there is not needed. A better option would be to reinstate a stop at Apex Corner in Hanworth. The route pre super look at some point in the past used to stop there.”
Kevin Lucioni isn’t happy either: “The idea of curtailing the SL7 to Sutton is a non-starter, and will go about as well as a mug of cold sick with passengers who actually use it. The number of passengers who get on with suitcases at West Croydon, East Croydon, Wallington Green, & Carshalton High St is fairly substantial.”
“There is a gap in the Superloop network between Bromley North & Grove Park. The SL5 should be extended to Grove Park to link up with the SL4 when that is introduced when the Silvertown Tunnel is opened next summer.”
Alex Smith writes: “Leave the SL5 and 7 alone no need to change it i see both used often”.
Adam Zuberi says: “No wonder they want to change the SL7, it’s been too successful, super busy not just between Croydon and Sutton, but also Croydon and Heathrow. Don’t fix what ain’t broken. Instead, extend the SL5 to Grove Park to fill that gap.”
What does your ideal Superloop network look like? Comment below, and join in on the conversation.
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