London Buses route SL6

Last updated

SL6
(GBR-London) Arriva London EE1 SK25BAA SL6 2025-06-16.jpg
Arriva London Alexander Dennis Enviro400EV at Russell Square in June 2025
Overview
Operator Arriva London
Garage Norwood
Vehicle Alexander Dennis Enviro400EV
Began service27 October 1986 (renumbered SL6 on 31 July 2023)
Former operator(s) Arriva London
London Regional Transport
London Central
Night-time N68
Route
Start Russell Square
Via Aldwych
Waterloo
West Norwood
Selhurst Park
End West Croydon bus station
Service
LevelWeekdays (peak hours only)
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London Buses route SL6, formerly London Buses route X68, is a Transport for London contracted Superloop express bus route in London, England. Running between Russell Square and West Croydon bus station, it is operated by Arriva London.

The route partially parallels routes 68 and 468. It runs towards Russell Square in the morning peak, and towards West Croydon in the evening peak.

History

London Central Wright Eclipse Gemini 2 bodied Volvo B5LH on route X68 at Russell Square in August 2014 London Central WHV8 on Route X68, Russell Square (14994882069).jpg
London Central Wright Eclipse Gemini 2 bodied Volvo B5LH on route X68 at Russell Square in August 2014
London Central Alexander Dennis Enviro400H MMC at Waterloo station in November 2023 (GBR-London) Go-Ahead London EH223 YX18KPO SL6 2023-11-15.jpg
London Central Alexander Dennis Enviro400H MMC at Waterloo station in November 2023

Route X68 commenced on 27 October 1986 as a peak-hour, express version of route 68 operating between Russell Square and West Croydon bus station with no stops made between West Norwood and Waterloo. It was operated by London Regional Transport's Norwood bus garage with Leyland Olympians fitted with high back seats. [1] As part of the privatisation of London bus services, in January 1995 it was taken over by Arriva London.

Upon being re-tendered it passed to London Central on 3 April 2006 being operated by Wright Eclipse Gemini bodied Volvo B7TLs. [2] [3] London Central successfully retained the route when re-tendered, commencing new contracts in 2011 and 2018, with Alexander Dennis Enviro400H MMCs introduced with the commencement of the latter contract. [4] [5] [6] In 2018, a three-axle BCI bus was trialled on the route. [7]

On 31 July 2023, route X68 was renumbered SL6, becoming part of the Superloop express bus network. [8] [9] Prior to being renumbered (and branded as part of the Superloop), the buses that operated route X68 could also operate route 188. During the day buses were stabled at Waterloo garage. [10]

On 29 July 2024, Arriva London was awarded as the new operator of route SL6. Operations transferred on 29 March 2025. The route was the first in London to receive the second generation of Alexander Dennis Enviro400EVs. [11]

Current route

Route SL6 operates via these primary locations: [12]

References

  1. ↑ Wharmby, Mathew (2016). London Transport's Last Buses: Leyland Olympians L1-263. Pen & Sword. ISBN   978 147382 386 0.
  2. ↑ Route Alteration Transport for London 3 April 2006
  3. ↑ Wharmby, Matthew (2021). The London Volvo B7TL. Pen & Sword. ISBN   978 1 52678 695 1.
  4. ↑ Win, Win, Win Bus Talk issue 6 October 2010 page 1
  5. ↑ Latest tendered service awards Buses issue 750 September 2017 page 23
  6. ↑ Fleet News Buses issue 752 November 2017 page 71
  7. ↑ London to try a tri-axle decker Coach & Bus Week 10 April 2018
  8. ↑ First TfL Superloop bus route to start this weekend Route One 14 July 2023
  9. ↑ Superloop Transport for London
  10. ↑ Superloop and night bus expansion in the suburbs but 168 withdrawn Buses issue 823 October 2023 page 20
  11. ↑ Halford, Paul (7 May 2025). "Next-gen Alexander Dennis Enviro400EV gets London debut on SL6". routeone. Retrieved 22 May 2025.
  12. ↑ Route SL6 Map Transport for London

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