The Superloop: Transporting Britain to the Future

The Superloop is a high-frequency, high-capacity, and affordable network of 10 express bus routes, which has the potential to revolutionise London's transportation landscape [1]. The service relies on repurposed roads and disused railway lines and aims to provide a sustainable and cost-effective solution to the increased demand for public transport.

The Superloop has the potential to promote social cohesion, enhance access to offices and essential services and reduce carbon emissions. However, any project associated with such a sizeable budget, scope and extensive public intrigue will no doubt face appropriate scrutiny. Indeed, in this blog post we consider the opportunities and potential limitations of the Superloop bus service. [2]

A Way Forward

The Superloop became operational in July 2023, and 9 of the 10 express routes are expected to be in service before May 2024. The potential of the Superloop should not be underestimated:

Additional Travel Options: The gradual return to working on-site has resulted in an increased demand for public transport. The Superloop facilitates such a transition, adding over 4 million kilometres to London’s bus service. The director of Public Transport Planning at TfL, Geoff Hobbs, stated that 90% of those living in outer London will be within one interchange of the Superloop. [2]
Efficient Travel: The Superloop has fewer stops, and uses dedicated bus lanes to provide passengers with a more efficient journey. TfL has estimated that the Superloop will reduce congestion by 30% and travel time by 25%. [3]
Low Cost Travel: The cost of living has increased sharply across the UK. Furthermore, the recent expansion of the Ultra Low Emission Zone across London, has meant that many cannot afford to drive into London. At £1.75 a trip, the Superloop provides a cost-effective alternative to driving or using the train. [4]

**Figure 1: Superloop Transport for London**

A Sustainable Solution:

The Mayor of London has described the Superloop as helping ‘to tackle our city’s toxic air and build a better, greener and cleaner London for all’. [1] The environmental benefits of the service include:

Low Carbon Footprint: The Superloop will improve air quality with its is all-electric fleet, which exceeds Euro VI emission standards. [5]
Alternative to Private Cars: The Superloop allows the public to access hospitals, schools, and workplaces, without using a private car. Alex Williams, the Chief Customer and Strategy Officer at TfL described the Superloop as the ‘jewel in the crown in our plans to strengthen alternatives to the private car ahead of the ULEZ expanding London-wide’. [1]

Why is it Controversial?

Despite the opportunities the Superloop presents, the service has been met with some scepticism:

London-Centrism: The Mayor of London allocated a budget of £6 million to fund the Superloop service. [6] Critics have levied accusations of London-centrism, questioning whether the city, which currently boasts the UK’s largest transport network, requires further investment. This is particularly poignant following the Prime Minister’s decision to scrap the northern leg of HS2, the high-speed rail line intended to travel between Birmingham and Manchester.
Suburban Inflation: Expanding travel into central London will make the periphery of the city more desirable. This could cause suburban property prices to inflate, and increase the cost of living for locals.
Construction Impact: Despite the environmental benefits of transitioning to an electric fleet, significant upfront carbon and energy costs will be incurred. Furthermore, maintaining and repairing the Superloop infrastructure will be expensive.

Closing Thoughts:

As the Superloop continues to expand, it is anticipated that it will play an increasingly important role in connecting London, improving productivity, and reducing carbon emissions. As a London-based company serving multiple clients across the capital, many of our team will make frequent use of the service.