Super Loop Up and Running in Bromley

Is it worthy of its name?

Despite the myriad woes of ULEZ expansion, there is one aspect of Sadiq Khan's commitments for which I am grateful - the Super Loop.

Almost exactly a year to the day since its announcement, the new fast-paced bus routes connecting outer London rail routes in a single clock face (which indeed resembles both a clock and a face, albeit abstract) are up and running. The full impact of this was gloriously brought home to me when I actually witnessed one in Bromley.

The route has rebranded existing express routes while also introducing new ones.

For an excellent and detailed summary, do check out Geoff Marshall's video.The route boasts travel times of 23 minutes between Bromley and Croydon, all at the standard bus fare of £1.75. This includes the hopper rate and the £5.25 cap for repeated journeys.

With train fares rising by 4.9% in March and not serving orbital routes anyway, this loop is worthy of its name - super.*

*Now, for those who loathe buses or have been forced to sell their cars due to diesel scapegoating or unfair ULEZ expansions, all of this may offer little comfort. However, for the poor, the carless, and the suburban disconnected, it is surely a welcomed introduction.