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 runs on weekdays during peak hours only – towards Russell Square in the morning peak, and towards West Croydon bus station in the evening peak.
History
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. 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.Route Alteration Transport for London 3 April 2006 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.Win, Win, Win Bus Talk issue 6 October 2010 page 1Latest tendered service awards Buses issue 750 September 2017 page 23Fleet News Buses issue 752 November 2017 page 71 In 2018, a three-axle BCI bus was trialled on the route.London to try a tri-axle decker Coach & Bus Week 10 April 2018
On 31 July 2023, route X68 was renumbered SL6, becoming part of the Superloop express bus network.First TfL Superloop bus route to start this weekend Route One 14 July 2023Superloop Transport for London 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 During the day buses were stabled at Waterloo garage.Superloop and night bus expansion in the suburbs but 168 withdrawn Buses issue 823 October 2023 page 20
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.
Current route Route SL6 operates via these primary locations:Route SL6 Map Transport for London Russell Square Holborn station Aldwych Waterloo Bridge South Bank Waterloo station West Norwood station Beulah Hill Selhurst Park West Croydon bus station
References
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