Passengers at Ealing Broadway were supportive of the proposed Superloop service terminating at Hendon War Memorial reports Philip Lynch, Local Democracy Reporter

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

West London residents have hailed a new Superloop bus route to speed up journeys between West and North West London as a “great idea”, though others have suggested an improved Tube service is also needed.

Passengers at Ealing Broadway – one of the key stops on the proposed SL13 route – shared their views on the new express bus service between Hendon War Memorial and Ealing Broadway/Haven Green planned by Transport for London (TfL).

If approved, the SL13 bus would set off from Ealing Broadway stopping at places such as Hangar Lane, Neasden Shopping Centre, and Brent Cross before terminating at the Hendon War Memorial. As part of the proposal, the existing E7 route would be extended via Uxbridge Road, to Ealing Common.

An initial consultation held by TfL found that 79 per cent of respondents believed that the new route would be more convenient. A second consultation is now under way.

Mona, a South Ealing resident, told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) that she believes it would be a good idea. She said: “I haven’t heard about it, but I think it’s a great idea to give people more access. There probably would be a lot of people who would use it, but personally I wouldn’t.”

Mona went on to say she thinks it’s important to ensure there are equal levels of funding being invested into both the Tube and bus network.

Damallie and Pam are both retired, and often use different bus routes around Ealing. Despite supporting the idea of a new bus route, the friends are not convinced it’s the most effective option for everyone.

Damallie said: “I’d probably prefer a Tube to the bus. The buses can get caught in traffic, and if you’re trying to get somewhere, you’ll probably start panicking.”

Pam, echoing this view, said she thinks it’s a great idea, although not a route she’d use. She added: “It’s a whole different perspective when you’re working. You’re held to a timetable, you know sometimes I’ll consider going further by bus because I haven’t got to get to work – for younger people, that’s different.”

Ealing is already served by a Superloop route – SL8 – which runs between White City and Uxbridge. Heather, a student from Hanwell, said she uses the route often, and believes she would also use the potential SL13 route.

“It would be great to get another bus route, and the transport around here is definitely getting better. I am starting university soon, and it’s in that direction, so I think I’ll probably need to use it.”

Ian, a South Ealing resident and avid driver, told the LDRS that whilst it’s not a route he’d use, it is one his wife would find appealing. He described the environmental benefits as important to supporting the idea.

He said: “I usually drive, and if not I’d use the Tube, but personally I think bus routes are a good idea. It’ll probably be quicker and greener – especially with the use of electric buses which run in most places now.”

TfL is holding a six-week public consultation to hear what residents think about the proposals. Residents can take part on the TfL website until Wednesday, October 22.

The new express bus route, with limited stops at key transport and town centre locations, would run every 12 minutes from Monday to Saturday between 5am and 12.30am, and every 15 minutes on Sundays and bank holidays during the same hours.

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