Transport for London’s ‘Superloop’ routes link Harrow with North Finchley and North Finchley with Walthamstow

The 'Superloop' is arriving in Barnet this month (credit TfL) — The ‘Superloop’ is arriving in Barnet this month (credit TfL)

Barnet borough is gaining two new express bus services this month as the ‘Superloop’ picks up its first passengers.

Transport for London (TfL) is launching the two Superloop bus services between Harrow and North Finchley and North Finchley with Walthamstow.

The Superloop concept was announced at the start of this year as a way to improve public transport connections between outer London boroughs, providing express buses that would only stop at limited places to make them as fast as possible. Together, the routes will form a ring around the capital.

The SL10 route between Harrow and North Finchley launched at the end of last month, while a further route, the SL1 between North Finchley and Walthamstow Central, launches on Saturday, 9th December.

The SL10 is an electric express route and is fitted with USBs. It runs alongside part of the 183 route between Harrow and Hendon, the busiest part of this route, and part of the 125 route between Hendon and North Finchley, which is expected to see more customers in the future due to the Brent Cross and Colindale housing developments. Stops include Hendon and Finchley Central stations.

The SL1 gives people more transport options to move between key locations such as transport hubs and town centres in Barnet, Enfield and Waltham Forest boroughs, including stops at New Southgate and Arnos Grove stations.

New TfL data shows that customers are already taking advantage of the Superloop network. The data so far shows demand on all Superloop routes has increased above the network average level.

The full loop of the Superloop will be complete by spring 2024, mayor Sadiq Khan has pledged.

Khan, said: “It is fantastic to see the Superloop already encouraging more people onto London’s bus network. It’s proving a real game-changer.

“Now people travelling in outer London are getting another boost before Christmas with two brand new routes coming into service, making it easier to see friends and family, or to visit local town centres or services. I’m delighted to see so many Londoners benefitting from the Superloop so far, and there’s much more to come.”

More than 95 per cent of Londoners now live within 400 metres of a bus stop. In addition to the Superloop, TfL says it is pursuing other enhancements to the bus network in partnership with London’s boroughs.

SL10 route map, Harrow to North Finchley

Louise Cheeseman, TfL’s director of buses, said: “It is great to see that customers are benefiting from the Superloop. The express bus network was made with customers in mind, giving them quicker and more sustainable options when it comes to public transport in outer London.

“We are pleased to see that the Superloop services that are already part of the network are a firm favourite for those who need to get around the capital, and to be able to offer Londoners even more new instantly recognisable routes.”

The Superloop’s arrival in Barnet has also been welcomed by local politicians. Alan Schneiderman, Barnet Council’s cabinet member for environment and climate change, said: “Superloop orbital services are great for connecting people within Barnet and beyond, so it’s good to hear the mayor announce even more routes at greater frequencies.

“The SL10 and new SL1 electric buses will mean faster, affordable, and sustainable travel between Enfield and Waltham Forest in the east to North Finchley and then Hendon and Harrow in the west. The routes will also serve new developments at Brent Cross and Colindale making travel across Barnet on public transport easier for even more people.”

SL1 route map, North Finchley to Walthamstow

The SL10 is running every twelve minutes Monday to Saturday and every 15 minutes on evenings and Sundays. This means that customers will benefit from a bus every minutes during Monday to Saturday, up from every eight minutes at present. The SL10 gives customers an easy connection to 38 other bus routes and seven train lines.

The SL1 will run every twelve minutes Monday to Saturday and every 15 minutes on evenings and Sundays. This service, combined with the 34, will mean customers can expect a bus every five to six minutes during Monday to Saturday, up from every eight minutes at present.

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