SL5 becomes Double-Decker after Conservative Campaign

The single-decker diesel bus has been replaced with a new, zero-emission double-decker model on the Superloop route SL5, which operates between Bromley North station and Croydon town centre.

Conservative London Assembly Member for Bexley and Bromley, Thomas Turrell AM and Conservative-run Bromley Council have repeatedly asked Transport for London (TfL) to make it a double-decker route since it began operating.

The new buses will increase capacity, customers will enjoy a quieter, smoother journey with fewer vibrations, and USB charging points will be available. The buses also feature the latest Bus Safety Standard.

The conversion to zero-emission buses will improve air quality. Thomas and local Conservative Councillors had been critical of Mayor of London Sadiq Khan for putting diesel buses on local routes while expanding ULEZ to boroughs like Bromley.

Thomas welcomed the new bus, saying:

“It was always hypocritical of Sadiq Khan to wheel out old diesel models to run the Superloop while trying to tax drivers off the road. In the SL5’s case, that also meant single-decker buses, which struggled to cope with the demand on the route. I am pleased that we now, after months of lobbying from local Conservatives, have a cleaner, quieter bus with the additional capacity the local passengers deserve.”