Go-Ahead receives electric bus Superloop contracts

TfL has awarded electric bus contracts to Go-Ahead to run the new SL4 as part of the express Superloop bus network in outer London. The operator will also continue to run route 129, which will be significantly extended between Lewisham and North Greenwich. Both routes are to provide electric bus links to take advantage of the Silvertown Tunnel, which is due to open in 2025.

The SL4, which will run between Canary Wharf and Grove Park, will be the final route completing the express Superloop network, a key part of the Mayor’s commitment to improving the bus network in outer London by adding over 4 million extra bus kilometres of bus services. This route would be non-stop between Sun-in-the-Sands roundabout and Leamouth roundabout.

Go-Ahead London will also continue to operate the 129 route which will be significantly extended between Lewisham and North Greenwich. In addition, frequencies will be increased on each day of the week.

The buses will have larger wheelchair and buggy areas, panoramic roofing, USB phone charging ports and new LED display screens with enhanced customer information on the lower and upper deck.

“We are pleased to be awarded contracts to operate the new Superloop SL4 route” – David Cutts, Go-Ahead London’s Managing Director

David Cutts, Go-Ahead London’s Managing Director, said: “We are pleased to be awarded contracts to operate the new Superloop SL4 route, together with the greatly enhanced 129, both using the new Silvertown Tunnel to connect North and South London. We look forward to working closely with TfL to deliver a safe and reliable service for our passengers, utilising brand new zero emission electric buses.”

“We look forward to continuing to work closely with Go-Ahead London in the next two years so we can jointly provide the best service we can for our customers” – Louise Cheeseman, TfL’s Director of Buses

Louise Cheeseman, TfL’s Director of Buses, said: “We’re pleased to announce Go-Ahead London as our operator for these two electric bus routes serving the Silvertown Tunnel when it opens in 2025. The SL4 and 129 will significantly improve public transport links in the southeast London area, connecting customers to the rest of the capital. We look forward to continuing to work closely with Go-Ahead London in the next two years so we can jointly provide the best service we can for our customers.”