Clutha ferry
Encyclopedia
The Clutha ferry passenger harbour steamers
provided a service running up and down the River Clyde
in Glasgow
, and were collectively known as Cluthas. They were introduced on 12 April 1884, with six boats. By 1899 twelve boats ran a service between Victoria Bridge and Whiteinch Ferry, taking about 45 minutes on the 3 miles (4.8 km) route which included 11 landing stages alternating on both sides of the river, and charging one penny
fare for the full distance. This service was in addition to the cross ferries running from side to side of the river, which had introduced steam ferries in 1865.
The passengers using the Cluthas included workers commuting every day to the docks and industries along the river which included shipyards and engineering workshops. Competing services were introduced by the Glasgow subway
which opened in 1896, and the tram
system from 1901. The Cluthas were withdrawn in 1903.
Steamboat
A steamboat or steamship, sometimes called a steamer, is a ship in which the primary method of propulsion is steam power, typically driving propellers or paddlewheels...
provided a service running up and down the River Clyde
River Clyde
The River Clyde is a major river in Scotland. It is the ninth longest river in the United Kingdom, and the third longest in Scotland. Flowing through the major city of Glasgow, it was an important river for shipbuilding and trade in the British Empire....
in Glasgow
Glasgow
Glasgow is the largest city in Scotland and third most populous in the United Kingdom. The city is situated on the River Clyde in the country's west central lowlands...
, and were collectively known as Cluthas. They were introduced on 12 April 1884, with six boats. By 1899 twelve boats ran a service between Victoria Bridge and Whiteinch Ferry, taking about 45 minutes on the 3 miles (4.8 km) route which included 11 landing stages alternating on both sides of the river, and charging one penny
Penny (British pre-decimal coin)
The penny of the Kingdom of Great Britain and later of the United Kingdom, was in circulation from the early 18th century until February 1971, Decimal Day....
fare for the full distance. This service was in addition to the cross ferries running from side to side of the river, which had introduced steam ferries in 1865.
The passengers using the Cluthas included workers commuting every day to the docks and industries along the river which included shipyards and engineering workshops. Competing services were introduced by the Glasgow subway
Glasgow Subway
The Glasgow Subway is an underground metro line in Glasgow, Scotland. Opened on 14 December 1896, it is the third-oldest underground metro system in the world after the London Underground and the Budapest Metro. Formerly a cable railway, the Subway was later electrified, but its twin circular lines...
which opened in 1896, and the tram
Tram
A tram is a passenger rail vehicle which runs on tracks along public urban streets and also sometimes on separate rights of way. It may also run between cities and/or towns , and/or partially grade separated even in the cities...
system from 1901. The Cluthas were withdrawn in 1903.