Woolwich clipper service secured until 2013

By John Hill on October 14, 2009 9:18 AM |

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The river service linking The O2 arena to Woolwich Arsenal has been secured until 2013.

Transport for London announced this week that it had struck a £269,000 deal to subsidise the service for the next four years.

Thames Clippers has served the Woolwich Arsenal pier since June 2005 with a service funded by TfL, Greenwich Council and Berkeley Homes.

Following the expiration of this contract in January this year, TfL and Greenwich Council continued to fund the service on an interim basis while studies were carried out on usage and viability.

The pair will now split the cost with "staggered payments", having ascertained that the boats between the QEII pier and Woolwich Arsenal provide a "vital service" for the area.
Kulveer Ranger, the Mayor of London's transport adviser, claimed that the deal was part of a plan "to maximise the use of the Thames to move Londoners around our city".

London River Services managing director Mike Weston added that it would allow commuters to "continue to benefit from a fast, frequent and relaxing service to and from the centre of London".

Greenwich Council collected over 1,000 signatures in their campaign to increase subsidies and introduce Oyster card payment on riverboat services. Mayor Boris Johnson announced in April that Thames Clippers boats would be part of the Oyster system by November.

A spokeswoman for O2 arena owners AEG said: 'This is great news for The O2. We pride ourselves on our transport links and greater accessibilty for our customers via Thames Clippers is always welcome."

Greenwich Council leader Chris Roberts said: "The service is proving to be an increasingly popular alternative with commuters and I'm delighted that Greenwich Council and TfL have been able to attract the funds to keep this service running to Woolwich for a further four years."

Sean Collins, managing director and founder of Thames Clippers said: "Thames Clippers is delighted that an agreement has been reached to ensure our current service to Woolwich will continue. "We have always respected the development possibilities in this area and beyond into the Thames Gateway for fast ferry service to central London.

"This support by TfL and Greenwich Council will enable us to further demonstrate the potential Thames Clippers has in the future of London's transport network."