Superloop Rebranding Takes Place for Local Bus Route

Express 607 between White City and Uxbridge becomes the SL8

One of the newly branded buses on Acton High Street

July 19, 2023

A local bus route has become the first on London’s transport network to be rebranded as part of the creation of the ‘Superloop’ network.

The 607, which is an express bus between Uxbridge and White City, is now the SL8. Some of the existing buses on the route have already been repainted with the red and white livery which aims to make this new service distinctive.

The route will operate exactly as before with some changes to bus stop names being planned to reflect their location better.

Timetable changes are promised on 19 August which will increase the number of early morning and evening services.

The new route number was officially launched on Saturday 15 July and will be the first of a series of rebrandings which will eventually create an orbital express bus network around London.

The launch is designed to meet Sadiq Khan’s pledge that bus services outside the centre of London would be boosted to give people improved public transport provision ahead of the expansion of the ULEZ in August. Part of the route served by the 607 has recently seen a reduction in provision following the curtailment of the 427 route.

Louise Cheeseman, Director of Buses at TfL said, “The newly numbered and branded SL8 will provide people in outer London an instantly recognisable express bus route helping to make it easier to choose a sustainable travel option. I urge customers who are used to seeing the 607 to give the SL8 a try.”

Sean O’Shea, CEO at Metroline the company which operates the route said, “Metroline is delighted to be the first Bus company in London to operate one of the new Superloop services. This launch marks a milestone in further improving transport links in outer London and our team at Greenford Garage are proud to play their part delivering route SL8 of the Superloop.”

£6 million has been provided by the Mayor for the orbital route to be launched in stages with some routes that would become part of the Superloop already in operation. This includes the X140 connecting Heathrow and Harrow, and a more frequent route X26 connecting Heathrow and West Croydon. The next part of the outer London bus network will be the route linking Harrow with North Finchley, subject to consultation.

Following that, views will be sought on future sections of the orbital network. These proposed future sections include a limited-stop express link between North Finchley and Walthamstow and between Walthamstow and the Royal Docks via Ilford. Links are also proposed between Bexleyheath, Bromley and Croydon.