Richmond Council Blocks Superloop Funding Over Bus Stop Demand
Local councillors refuse to approve £50,000 for route improvements until more stops are added.
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Richmond councillors have refused to approve funding for improvements to the Superloop SL7 route until Transport for London (TfL) agrees to install additional bus stops. The route, which connects Heathrow Central and West Croydon, passes through the Richmond borough.
The council's transport committee stated that the SL7 does not stop frequently enough within the borough, particularly in areas like Hampton and Hampton Hill. This decision means that £50,000 of TfL grants, earmarked by council officers for route enhancements, cannot be used. These proposed enhancements included measures to ease congestion, such as introducing more waiting and loading restrictions and widening a bus stop.
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Service Gaps and Connectivity Concerns
Councillor Carey Bishop, representing Hampton North ward, highlighted that the SL7 route has a significant five-mile gap between Broad Street and Hatton Cross without any stops. She argued that this leaves residents in Hampton and Hampton Hill unable to access the service despite it running through their area. Councillor James Chard, representing Twickenham Riverside, described the situation as occurring in 'one of the worst-connected areas of this borough'.
The Superloop is a network of express bus routes introduced by the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, in 2023, designed to improve connections between outer London town centres and transport hubs. TfL has indicated that Superloop buses have seen an increase in ridership in the areas they serve.
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TfL's Position
A spokesman for TfL stated the organisation is committed to providing a comprehensive and reliable bus service across London. They added that TfL regularly reviews the bus network to ensure resources are invested where most needed. The spokesman also confirmed that TfL continues to monitor and review all Superloop routes, working with local councils to improve the bus network.
Richmond Council has previously raised concerns about underinvestment in public transport within the borough. Despite being named the happiest place to live in Britain, Richmond is known for having limited transport connectivity compared to other parts of the capital, with only two London Underground stations and limited London Overground services.
Questions this report answers
+Why are Richmond councillors refusing to approve funding for the Superloop?
Richmond councillors are withholding approval for £50,000 in funding for Superloop route SL7 improvements because they want Transport for London (TfL) to add more bus stops. Specifically, they are seeking additional stops in Hampton and Hampton Hill, citing a lack of service frequency in these areas.
+What is the Superloop SL7 route and where does it go?
The Superloop SL7 is an express bus route designed to improve connections between outer London town centres and transport hubs. It connects Heathrow Central and West Croydon, running through several boroughs including Richmond. The route has been highlighted for a five-mile section between Broad Street and Hatton Cross that lacks any stops.
+What are the proposed improvements for the SL7 route?
Council officers had proposed using £50,000 of TfL grants to develop plans for SL7 route improvements. These plans were intended to shorten bus journey times and increase reliability. Measures included introducing more waiting and loading restrictions, widening a bus stop on Ferry Road, and altering traffic management at a junction in Hampton Hill.
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