Transport for London appoint Uber to run their temporary Hammersmith Bridge boat crossing service

Image credit: TaxiPoint/Pixabay remixed

The capital’s transport authority, Transport for London (TfL), has selected Uber as their preferred mode of boat transportation to ferry commuters across the River Thames at Hammersmith while the bridge continues to be repaired.

The service, which will use Uber Boat by Thames Clippers, will take pedestrians and cyclists over the Thames while Hammersmith Bridge undergoes vital repair and refurbishment works.

It is proposed that the boats will take passengers between piers located near to Queen Caroline Street in Hammersmith and the Hammersmith Bridge approach in Barnes.

There will be a full programme of engagement with the local community and other river users ahead of any planning application being submitted, TfL has said.

The ferry will have a minimum capacity of 800 passengers an hour at peak times, with services running daily 06:00-22:00.

Fares are expected to mirror buses at £1.55, subject to necessary approvals. This would include a Hopper option and the acceptance of the same concessions, including freedom passes and free travel for children.

The Hopper option will allow people who arrive at the ferry by bus to change onto the ferry at no further charge, as long as they change within an hour of starting their original journey.

Following detailed discussions with the successful bidder, TfL said it is expected that boats will be taking passengers across the river at the end of the summer subject to consents.

TfL said they are working with other members of the Hammersmith Bridge Taskforce to agree a long-term solution that would fully reopen the bridge to all road users