Londoners can travel for free on a new express bus service for the next seven days after Transport for London launched the SL11 Superloop this weekend.
Pay as you go passengers using Oyster or contactless cards will not be charged during the promotional period, though they must still tap in when boarding.
The SL11 connects North Greenwich and Abbey Wood, replacing the 472 bus which ran its final journey this weekend after serving the route for years.
However, passengers will notice a significant change. As a Superloop service, the SL11 skips most of the stops previously served by the 472. It also bypasses the slow loop through Woolwich town centre — a change TfL says will cut journey times and ease congestion around Woolwich Arsenal station.
Substantial roadworks between Charlton and Woolwich mean the full time savings will not be felt immediately.
Lorna Murphy, TfL’s Director of Buses, said the new service would provide faster connections between the Elizabeth line, DLR, London Underground and National Rail.
For those who relied on the 472’s stopping service, a new night bus has been introduced. The N472 will operate between 00:15 and 04:45, running every 30 minutes seven nights a week and calling at all stops previously served by the daytime route.
TfL said it would continue monitoring travel patterns to ensure the network meets local demand.
