Speeding up Superloop: Transport for London offer money for route improvements
Transport for London are looking at options to speed up Superloop bus journeys on route SL3 between Thamesmead and Bromley.
A report before Bexley Council next week states “TfL is proposing complementary works and seeking support from the Council in its delivery” with £10k given to look at a number of possibilities.
If and when certain measures are agreed “further funding would be provided by TfL for any agreed schemes that are taken forward to delivery.”
The report notes that Transport for London suggested nine possible changes including alterations to waiting restrictions/bus cages in six locations along with three more substantial proposals for alteration of the traffic signals at Bridgen Road/Arbuthnot Lane, new bus stops on Albion Road and widening Knee Hill.
Opposition
Bexley Council state they do not support three outright including widening Knee Hill claiming “the presence of the Ancient Woodland and topography on each side of the road means that a suitable road widening scheme is not possible.”
They also do not support stops on Albion Road as “new stops will increase the walking distance for passengers visiting the town centre, as well as introducing a need to cross Albion Road itself.
“The stops would be sited on existing cycle lanes and will introduce conflicts between cyclists and both buses and passengers, whilst the stops on this key distributor road will introduce hazards and traffic delays owing to buses slowing and stopping.”
They also oppose altering the “traffic islands to allow the Sidcup bound SL3 to turn right into Bridgen Road rather than turning left and travelling via Bexley Village as at present will prevent residents of the village the opportunity to use the SL3 to gain direct access to Abbey Wood or Bexleyheath Station without changing buses (or Chislehurst or Bromley North stations).”
They state they will consider on-street changes though will “ensure that the measures that will improve bus movements do not do so by unduly disadvantaging other users, including parking for shops and residents at that location”.
That includes outside Bexleyheath station where I’ve been held up a few times by poorly parked cars.
A full list of potential changes mooted by TfL can be seen here.
Widening Knee Hill is a no brainer – it’s a shame this has been dismissed by Bexley.
I personally do think that having the Superloop around London is the best way to get around London much easier. Especially when trying to get to a railway station or to avoid other bus routes.
I agree Superloop buses are not the best way to get around Lodon. So much better to invest in Local bus services and increase frequencies on existing routes. I believe the SL3 is used more between. Thanesmead and Abbey Wood Station.
TFL Buses should introduce new hoppa bus routes using smaller buses which can better navigate narrower roads and can get closer to people hones. These routes were very successful when originally introduced.
They would also provide an improved bus service for the elderly disabled vulnerable people including women and childten who would be able to board or alight the bus at a bus stop nearer to their hones.
@ KM I totally agree with you. Apart from some express bus routes to and from Central London which can be used by people on low incomes etc and people who are unable to use the tube or train due to cost and or accessibility issues. The only express route in the outer Lindon area is an express service on route 122 numbered X122 between Plumstead Station and Crystal Palace via Woolwich, Westhorne Avenue, Yorkshire Grey, Lewisham. Brockley. Forest Hill, Sydenham and Crystal Palace serving the busy South Circular. Route 122 gets very busy in Woolwich with passengers using the Elizabeth Line Station.
@ CDT introducing a X122 bus service running alongside day route 122 would make perfect sense. Route 122 between Plumstead and Crystal Palace.is a very busy route around parts of the South Circular.
I think the X122 would be more popular them then the proposed express bus route betwen North Thamesmead and North Greenwich.
A new local bus service between North Thamesmead, Thamesmead Town Centre, Abbey Wood Station (Elizabeth Line Station) Plumstead Station, Wookwich [Elizabeth Line Station) possibly terminating at Woolwich Common Quueen Elizabeth Hospital may better serve local residents.
Superloop 2 should not go ahead. Instead they must invest in improving local bus services improving existing routes by increasing frequencies, extending some local routes to serve areas that do not have direct links to local Hospitals shopping Centres, stations and schools.
Superloop 2 should not go ahead. Instead they must invest in improving local bus services improving existing routes by increasing frequencies, extending some local routes to serve areas that do not have direct links to local Hospitals shopping Centres, stations and schools. Many areas of the Botough of Greenwicb remain with out these vital direct bus links.