Another Superloop route gains electric buses (with air con)
Former bus on SL2 before new electrics.
Superloop route SL2 has gained new electric buses after a contract renewal commenced yesterday bringing another part of the network into the modern day.
SL2 runs between North Woolwich and Walthamstow via Beckton, Barking, Ilford, Gants Hill and South Woodford.
Having commenced in early 2024 it’s been run by Arriva ever since with the contract renewal including new electric buses from Chinese manufacturer BYD.
For most people the most important thing that means is air con on buses, which will be welcomed by many.
BYD buses currently also run on SL4 with the air conditioning a massive relief over the summer months.
Route SL11 currently uses New Routemasters but that will see BYD electric buses enter service in time. SL1 is also set for new BYD electrics as is the SL7 but they’re not yet in service.
The SL5 started life using old single-deckers but also now enjoys double deck BYD air conditioned buses.
SL3 uses electric vehicles but not BYDs. Instead it has electric Alexander Dennis Enviro400EV vehicles. Next week it’s due to start operating out of Plumstead bus garage. These vehicles also have air con.
Given the stifling summer so far which has rendered many buses a pretty horrible environment for passengers and drivers, the more routes with air conditioned buses that arrive the better.
Excellent news. Passengers will really appreciate the air con in the warmer summer months.
According to TFL route SL11 is due to receive new Enviro 400 EV’s along with routes 51 178 244 and 291 around the time the routes move from their current Morden Wharf Garage to the new Thamesmead Bus Garage around late 2027 when the new garage opens.
However routes 96 229 428 and 492 are due to receive new BYD buses in 2026 or early 2027 when the buses are ready to enter service.
New superloop route SL15 between Eltham and Clapham is planned to be introduced sometime in 2027 with new electric single deckers due to a low bridge along the route.
So we can expect to see many more bus routes being fully converted to full electric operation over the coming months.
As more Superloop bus routes are to be added across London. More and more new electric and hybrid buses are to be introduced. And with other bus routes around Greater London who have diesel buses are to be replaced by electric and hybrid buses.
TfL wants more new electric buses to be introduced on the Superloop network since the Superloop was introduced not that long ago. And it’s become the most efficient way to get from A to B much quicker than using normal bus routes around London. Including local bus routes.
I have been on many Superloop bus routes around London and they are so efficient and reliable which depends on how quick the service is. Which depends if there isn’t no disruption or traffic congestion.