Thames Clippers to launch boat shuttle to The O2

The service, fully funded by Transport for London, will operate on event nights when the Jubilee line is not running, with the first services this Saturday.

The shuttle boat will run between 5.30pm and 8pm and then between 10pm and 12.15am, with departures every five to seven minutes. The Reuters pier is located about 250 metres to the south of East India DLR station. A valid DLR ticket will be required to travel on the shuttle.

For AEG Europe, owners and operator of The O2, the service will provide a vital transport link to the venue as they try to cope with the disruption caused by the Jubilee line closures. And if it proves to be a success the shuttle could become a permanent link.

Geoff Symonds, head of transport strategy at AEG Europe, said: "AEG and The O2 welcome this vital new link between The O2 and East India DLR. We continue to work closely with TfL to deliver a robust and viable alternative for our customers during the ongoing Jubilee line upgrade.

"We now aim to work towards a more permanent link for the future which could be of significant benefit for visitors to The O2, local residents and commuters."

With tube upgrade work scheduled for most weekends over the coming months something had to be done to help frustrated fans travel to and from the venue.

Starting with Britney Spears shows this Saturday and Sunday the Clippers service will help ease travel congestion to big events like Amir Khan's world title fight on June 27, Madonna's gig on July 4, as well as many of Michael Jackson's sold-out shows.

Regular Clippers services will still run along the river to central London at weekends, giving visitors another option to get to and from the venue.