Sadiq Khan Halts Superloop Bus Routes in Sutton, London

0:00On March 7, London's Mayor Sadiq Khan has ruled out new Superloop Express bus routes in the Merton and Sutton boroughs for now. He says Transport for London keeps the bus network under review, but sees no need for more alongside existing local services. The Superloop SL-7 already runs through Sutton, with its frequency double to four buses per hour in summer 2023. This came up during Mayor's question time, on February 26, when a labor assembly member asked about reviewing bus services there against TFL, planning standards. The Mayor's full response came out on March 3, noting that parts of neighboring Merton connect easily by foot or local buses to the SL-7. Local politicians are pushing back hard. Sutton and Chimes Liberal Democrat, MP Loop Taylor, says the Mayor should try commuting from Morden to North Chime or Sutton Center to South Wimbledon to see the gaps. The Superloop Assembly member Neil Gerratt calls Sutton's public transport, the worst in any of London's 32 boroughs, with low public transport.

1:03Access levels in areas like North Chime and Belmont, Taylor points to scrap plans for a sudden tramling back in 2020, deemed too expensive despite demand. He suggests cheaper express buses, like a Baker Loop style route along the A217 from North Chime to Morden or others linking to Tube, stations, and the New London Cancer Hub. Meanwhile, the Mayor's team highlights millions invested in Sutton for safer roads, walking, cycling, and buses since 2016, plus fare. Freezes and network boosts like the Elizabeth Line. These steps aim to make outer London travel more sustainable without big new projects right now.