The Superloop will launch in outer London from tomorrow (19 August).

The changes involved are:

• Route X26 will be known as the SL7 from Saturday 19 August
• The route connects communities between Heathrow Central and West Croydon and will boost public transport options for people travelling in the area
• From tomorrow, the SL7 will double in frequency to one bus every 15 minutes
• The SL7 will be the third route to become part of the Superloop express bus network
• And from Saturday 26 August, customers will benefit from a number of other improvements to bus routes in outer London, including the introduction of new night bus services every day of the week 

Customers using the Route X26 between Heathrow Central and West Croydon will see this bus renumbered to SL7 from tomorrow (Saturday 19 August) offering customers an instantly recognisable express bus service between west and south London.

In March, the Mayor announced plans for the Superloop, a transformative network of express bus services in outer London to strengthen and improve public transport options to maximise the benefits of the London-wide ULEZ expansion.

The Superloop network is a major expansion of outer London's network circling London and connecting town centres, hospitals, schools and transport hubs. 

This is a part of the Mayor of London and TFLs plans to enhance the bus network in London and a key part of improving the bus network in outer London.

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: "The Superloop will be a gamechanger for travel around outer London, delivering quicker links between transport hubs, town centres, schools and hospitals. Last month, we launched the first Superloop buses to our roads, and from today, even more Londoners will benefit from a doubling in Superloop journeys between Heathrow Central and West Croydon. These new services will provide Londoners with even stronger alternatives to private car use, and help us to build a better, greener London for everyone."

Last month the mayor confirmed that the full loop will be complete by Spring 2024, subject to consultation and with the exception of route SL4 which will start when the Silvertown tunnel opens in 2025.

Louise Cheeseman, Director of Buses at TFL said: "We are very pleased to be able to offer the newly branded SL7 to our customers travelling between Heathrow and Croydon with a more frequent service.

"Customers should start looking out for it in their local area and the upgraded frequency will make it even easier for people to travel using public transport. Buses remain the most accessible, available and affordable form of public transport connecting outer London's network to town centres, hospitals, schools and transport hubs."