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TfL gives away a YEAR of free bus travel to persuade Londoners to use controversial Silvertown Tunnel

Writer's picture: Safer Highways Safer Highways

The Silvertown Tunnel is due to open on April 7, with the aim of alleviating congestion around the Blackwall Tunnel
The Silvertown Tunnel is due to open on April 7, with the aim of alleviating congestion around the Blackwall Tunnel

Transport for London will introduce three free bus routes to encourage Londoners to use the Silvertown and Blackwall Tunnels.


The Silvertown Tunnel in East London, which has been under construction since March 2021, is expected to open on April 7 and will connect Silvertown with Greenwich Peninsula.


Commuters will be able to travel through the tunnel for free using two zero-emission bus services, the Superloop SL4 or the 129, while motorists will be expected to pay.


Peak times will be Monday to Friday, 6am to 10am for northbound traffic, and 4pm to 7pm for southbound traffic.


The 108 bus, which passes through the existing Blackwall Tunnel will also be free from April. 

Transport bosses hope that access to both tunnels will reduce severe congestion in the neighbouring areas.


Cyclists will also be able to travel through the tunnel for free via a 'bike bus'.

Five zero-emission shuttles will be available per hour between 6.30am and 9.30pm.


The shuttle will have space for cyclists to rack their bikes and be driven across the river, as they cannot cycle through the tunnel for safety reasons.


However, concerns have been raised by cyclists about the location of the bus stops.

It has also been questioned whether the shuttles will be able to accommodate cargo bikes, such as large bikes used by families to transport young children.


TfL's own consultation in 2023 found that cyclists were unlikely to use the service.


Simon Munk, head of campaigns and community development at the London Cycling Campaign, previously told MailOnline: 'Everything about the Mayor's Silvertown tunnel goes directly against his own transport strategy. 


'It will almost certainly lead to increased motor traffic across east London. The extra bus provision and cycle shuttle are largely deflection from that.' 


A TfL Spokesperson told MailOnline: 'Last year, we announced a wide-ranging package of discounts and concessions relating to the Silvertown Tunnel scheme. 


'This included making bus journeys on three cross-river routes which start in Newham, Tower Hamlets and Greenwich free for at least one year. 


'This will include the new Superloop 4 route from Canary Wharf to Grove Park, and will support local residents and help encourage people to cross the Thames by public transport.' 


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