Today is

By: Ikedi Ani-okoye

Thames Clipper

'Frustrated with the daily commute? Tired of squashing yourself onto a packed bus or tube, arms pinned uncomfortably by your side, suit rapidly becoming creased, newspaper impossible to open and read, body perspiring and wilting in the oppressive heat, nerves jangling, composure unravelling, your earlier smile now absent and alien to your face?

We can all relate! Why not consider an alternative mode of transport, one that is not only fast, reliable and pleasant to use, but that also promises to turn up on time, provide you with a panoramic backdrop of changing city views, respect your need for seating and adequate personal space, delivering you to work relaxed, refreshed and ready to start your day?

What more incentive do you need? The leading provider of commuter passenger services on the River Thames, Thames Clipper operate a fleet of fast modern boats that cater for the key stretch between Central London and Woolwich. Founded in 1999 by Sean Collins and Alan Woods, who have spent their collective careers working on the river, they have come a long way in seven years.

From the humble beginnings of one lone vessel and the capacity to cagy less than 1,500 passengers a week, they now own a fleet of seven modern vessels carrying well in excess of 20,000 passengers per week. The market for river transport has seen significant expansion over the last decade, with demand showing no signs of tailing off or leting up. Passenger journeys on the service have been increasing at a healthy annual rate with river-fronted developments seeking to bring wiaer transport options to new residents.

The area around the Thames in East London is emerging from many years of decline following its destruction at the hands of the Second World War. Since the mid 1980s the East End has undergone massive redevelopment on both banks of the river with the area around the Isle of Dogs becoming a major commercial and residential hub. There are now more workers in the Docklands than when the docks were working at their peak.

In addition, the region east from the docklands to the North Sea, the 'Thames Gateway', has been identified as a major redevelopment zone, which will be built up over the coming decade with plans including the construction of over 150,000 new homes. Accordingly, the business is looking at numerous opportunities to provide longer distance commuter services down the length of the river.

Thames Clipper has a grant to provide the only commuter service in Central London and has integrated into the TFL pricing system giving Travelcard holders the added benefit of service discounts. The river has also become part of an 'integrated modal transport network' with improved signage on bus and tube maps and stations aiding onward connection.

Running Monday to Saturday from Woolwich and Greenwich piers to Masthouse Terrace, Greenland, Canary Wharf, St Katherine Docks, London Bridge, BlacMriars and Savoy Piers Echoing Cross Embankment); Thames Clipper is, without a doubt, the most sensible way to travel.
General Enquiries T: 0870 781 5049 F: 020 7237 4019 E: web@thamesclippers.com