This initiative is aimed at improving transportation services for Bromley, Croydon, and surrounding areas.
The new double-decker buses, which replace the single-decker ones, will significantly increase passenger capacity by doubling the number of seats available per bus.
This upgrade is a part of TfL’s continued investment in the Superloop bus network.
The conversion of the SL5 route to zero-emission buses aligns with TfL’s goal to make its entire bus fleet zero-emission by 2030.
The new buses are equipped with USB and USB-C charging points, allowing passengers to charge their devices on the go.
They also promise quieter and smoother journeys due to reduced vibrations.
Despite the upgrade, there are no changes to the SL5 route, which will continue to operate express services between Bromley and Croydon.
The route goes via Bromley North Station, Bromley South Station, Bethlem Royal Hospital, and East Croydon Station.
The bus frequencies will also remain the same, with services every 12 minutes from Monday to Saturday and every 15 minutes during all other day service times.
The SL5 route, which connects with other Superloop routes in Croydon and Bromley North, offers quicker journey times to key town centers, hospitals, schools, and transport interchanges.
The launch of the Superloop in 2023 has added more than seven million kilometres per year to London’s network.
Lorna Murphy, TfL’s director of buses, said: “The introduction of electric double-decker buses on the SL5 marks another major step forward in delivering a cleaner, quieter, and more sustainable transport network for southeast London.
“These state-of-the-art double decker vehicles not only reduce emissions and increase capacity but also enhance the customer experience – offering smoother and greener journeys.”
TfL is also planning to expand the Superloop network.
The new ‘Bakerloop’ express bus route is set to begin operations this autumn, running between Waterloo and Lewisham.
The SL11 route is expected to start early 2026, operating between North Greenwich and Abbey Wood.
TfL recently conducted a consultation on a new Superloop route, the SL12, which will travel between Gants Hill and Rainham.
The responses are currently under review, and a report will be published in early autumn.
Three further proposed Superloop routes are slated for consultation this autumn.
These routes are: the SL13 service, which will travel between Ealing Broadway and Hendon; the SL14 service, which will operate between Stratford bus station and Chingford Hatch; and the SL15 service, which will run between Clapham Junction and Eltham station.
These expansions are part of TfL’s strategy to make buses a critical part of a green, healthy, and inclusive future for London.
The aim is to encourage more trips by public transport, walking, and cycling, while reducing reliance on private cars.
