TfL Promises Newer Buses for Superloop SL11 After Launch Criticism

Transport for London has said it is working to introduce newer buses on its flagship Superloop SL11 service in southeast London “as soon as possible”, after passengers complained that some of the network’s oldest vehicles were used when the route opened to the public.

The limited-stop SL11 began operating on 24 January, just days after a high-profile press launch where selected media outlets and social media influencers joined London mayor Sir Sadiq Khan on a ride between North Greenwich and Abbey Wood aboard specially branded buses.

However, when the service opened to fare-paying passengers, most journeys were operated using 16-year-old unbranded red double-deckers, supplied by the route’s operator, Go-Ahead.

‘Life-expired’ vehicles

The choice of buses drew criticism from industry observers. Roger French, former managing director of Brighton & Hove Buses, described the vehicles as “life-expired” on his Bus and Train

“You don’t usually launch a high-profile new bus route with your oldest buses which have seen better days,” he wrote, suggesting they were more suitable for school services or redeployment elsewhere.

Stored New Routemasters deemed unfit

The Greenwich Wire understands that the SL11 was originally intended to use refurbished New Routemasters owned by TfL, but a number of these vehicles were found to be unfit for service after being kept in storage following their withdrawal from another Superloop route, the SL3, in May last year.

TfL declined to confirm how long the buses had been in storage, who was responsible for ensuring their roadworthiness, or whether any had failed MoT tests.

By mid-afternoon on Wednesday, tracking data showed that only five of the 14 buses operating on the SL11 were New Routemasters.

TfL response

While TfL would not provide a timeline for replacing the older vehicles, it said newer buses would be introduced as soon as possible.

A spokesperson said:“Alongside the operator, Go-Ahead, we are working hard to get as many of the intended vehicles on the route as soon as possible. Safety is our top priority and all buses on this route have gone through rigorous safety inspections. We hope customers will enjoy the new service and we look forward to making it even better in the future.”

Service cuts spark concern

Unlike other Superloop routes, the SL11 is not an addition to the network. It replaces the all-stops route 472, reducing direct services for some passengers in Charlton, Woolwich and Thamesmead, including areas near major supermarkets and new housing developments.

TfL has advised affected passengers to use alternative services, but concerns have grown after the 229 route between Thamesmead and Queen Mary’s Hospital was reduced from six to five buses per hour on the same day the SL11 launched.

TfL also declined to comment on claims that another route, the 486 between Bexleyheath and North Greenwich, could face a similar reduction later this month.

According to the London Bus Routes website, a new contract for the 486 begins on 21 February, with new electric double-deckers planned — but with 13 buses instead of the current 14.

TfL said it had not confirmed any changes, adding:“TfL regularly reviews bus services to match capacity closer to demand and increase reliability. As is standard procedure, customers and stakeholders will be notified in due course ahead of any bus frequency changes.”