Thames Clipper
Encyclopedia
Thames Clipper is a water-bus
service operating in London
on the River Thames
. The company offers commuter services between eastern and central London, as well as tourist services under licence from London River Services
. At present they transport around 7,500 passengers daily.
, who promised substantial investment into the company to upgrade the services and to provide a more frequent "hop-on-hop-off" between Central London and The O2
(formerly the Millennium Dome), also owned by the Anschutz Entertainment Group.
In 2007 the company purchased six spacious new catamarans to be used on the Thames Clippers commuter service in order to carry a large number of passengers in a comfortable environment.
. The river boat service is now better integrated into the tube and bus ticketing network. From November 2009, the Thames Clipper services started to accept Oyster Pre-Pay
on all of its services, which also provides discounts on the full fares.. Passengers holding a valid Travelcard
pay a reduced fare (2/3 of the ticketed price) on all routes.
A River Roamer ticket, valid for one day, is available from Thames Clipper which allows the holder to hop on and hop off along the banks of the Thames between Millbank Millennium Pier
and Canary Wharf Pier
(including the Canary Wharf - Rotherhithe Ferry
). The cost is £12.00 for an adult and £25.00 for a family. It's £5.30 for an adult single trip (or £4.80 if payment is made with an oyster card). There is a one third discount for holders of travelcard
s.
Special river service season ticket
s, valid for either 3 months or 1 year, are also available.
(on the north side of the river by Embankment tube station
and Charing Cross tube
and railway
stations) and the Woolwich Arsenal Pier
(on the south side of the river in Woolwich
. The service runs every 20 minutes during the day, and every 30 minutes in the very early morning and evenings.
Stops include from west to east:
, between Canary Wharf Pier
and the Hilton Docklands Nelson Dock Pier
at the Hilton Hotel in Rotherhithe
. The service uses smaller boats than the commuter service but runs at a higher frequency of roughly every 10 minutes. The ferry can be used both by guests of the hotel as well as by passengers not staying at the hotel.
and Canary Wharf Pier
. This service operates only on peak AM and peak PM Commuter Hours (Monday-Friday). Offering an additional 10 minute service which coincides with the main commuter service between these piers.
museum on the South Bank
and the older Tate Britain
in Millbank
across the river.
for The O2
. The service also provides private charters.
which had come loose from the Star Clipper at St. Katherine's Pier.
}}
report advocates significant expansion in river services on the Thames. The aim of the report is to lead to a "river tube line" being created which would lead to easing of current congestion on London's transport systems, and better quality of travel, at a significantly cheaper price than other options. Opponents note that the river capacity, especially at low tide could mean a reduction of tourist boats (especially at peak commuter times), and turn the Thames into urban highway which would be detrimental to London. To be feasible, the report calls for better management of river traffic, improved interchange with other public transport modes and expansion of key piers.
The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson
is responsible for the River Concordat group http://www.london.gov.uk/priorities/transport/investing-transport/making-better-use-river-transport group, which is made-up of over forty different organisations including Thames Clippers. His publication, By the River http://www.london.gov.uk/sites/default/files/uploads/by-the-river.pdf, sets out the strategic vision for improving river transport on the Thames.
Water taxi
A water taxi or water bus, also known as a commuter boat, is a watercraft used to provide public transport, usually but not always in an urban environment. Service may be scheduled with multiple stops, operating in a similar manner to a bus, or on demand to many locations, operating in a similar...
service operating in London
London
London is the capital city of :England and the :United Kingdom, the largest metropolitan area in the United Kingdom, and the largest urban zone in the European Union by most measures. Located on the River Thames, London has been a major settlement for two millennia, its history going back to its...
on the River Thames
River Thames
The River Thames flows through southern England. It is the longest river entirely in England and the second longest in the United Kingdom. While it is best known because its lower reaches flow through central London, the river flows alongside several other towns and cities, including Oxford,...
. The company offers commuter services between eastern and central London, as well as tourist services under licence from London River Services
London River Services
London River Services is a division of Transport for London , which manages passenger transport on the River Thames in London, UK. They do not own or operate any boats but license the services of other operators...
. At present they transport around 7,500 passengers daily.
Company
Sean Collins co-founded Thames Clippers in 1999 with partner Alan Woods. During his career Sean recognised the opportunity to build a consistent high-speed commuter and passenger river service. Thames Clippers was then taken over in September 2006 by the American Anschutz Entertainment GroupAnschutz Entertainment Group
The Anschutz Entertainment Group is a sporting and music entertainment presenter and a subsidiary of The Anschutz Corporation. It is the world's largest owner of sports teams and sports events, the owner of the world’s most profitable sports and entertainment venues, and under AEG Live the world's...
, who promised substantial investment into the company to upgrade the services and to provide a more frequent "hop-on-hop-off" between Central London and The O2
The O2 (London)
The O2, visually typeset in branding as The O2, is a large entertainment district on the Greenwich peninsula in South East London, England, including an indoor arena, a music club, a Cineworld cinema, an exhibition space, piazzas, bars and restaurants...
(formerly the Millennium Dome), also owned by the Anschutz Entertainment Group.
In 2007 the company purchased six spacious new catamarans to be used on the Thames Clippers commuter service in order to carry a large number of passengers in a comfortable environment.
Tickets
Thames Clippers operate under licence from Transport for LondonTransport for London
Transport for London is the local government body responsible for most aspects of the transport system in Greater London in England. Its role is to implement the transport strategy and to manage transport services across London...
. The river boat service is now better integrated into the tube and bus ticketing network. From November 2009, the Thames Clipper services started to accept Oyster Pre-Pay
Oyster card
The Oyster card is a form of electronic ticketing used on public transport services within the Greater London area of the United Kingdom. It is promoted by Transport for London and is valid on a number of different travel systems across London including London Underground, buses, the Docklands...
on all of its services, which also provides discounts on the full fares.. Passengers holding a valid Travelcard
Travelcard
The Travelcard is an inter-modal travel ticket for unlimited use on the London Underground, London Overground, Docklands Light Railway, Tramlink, London Buses and National Rail services in the Greater London area. Travelcards can be purchased for a period of time varying from one day to a year,...
pay a reduced fare (2/3 of the ticketed price) on all routes.
A River Roamer ticket, valid for one day, is available from Thames Clipper which allows the holder to hop on and hop off along the banks of the Thames between Millbank Millennium Pier
Millbank Millennium Pier
Millbank Millennium Pier is a pier on the River Thames, in London, United Kingdom. It is served by boats operating under licence from London River Services and is situated close to the Tate Britain art gallery on Millbank, between Lambeth Bridge and Vauxhall Bridge on the west bank of the...
and Canary Wharf Pier
Canary Wharf Pier
The Canary Wharf Pier is a London River Services pier on the River Thames in London, UK. It is located to the west of the Canary Wharf district, close to Narrow Street, Limehouse....
(including the Canary Wharf - Rotherhithe Ferry
Canary Wharf - Rotherhithe Ferry
The Canary Wharf – Rotherhithe Ferry is a passenger ferry across the River Thames in the south east of London, UK. The service connects Canary Wharf Pier, serving the major Canary Wharf office development north of the river, with Hilton Docklands Nelson Dock Pier at the Hilton Hotel in Rotherhithe...
). The cost is £12.00 for an adult and £25.00 for a family. It's £5.30 for an adult single trip (or £4.80 if payment is made with an oyster card). There is a one third discount for holders of travelcard
Travelcard
The Travelcard is an inter-modal travel ticket for unlimited use on the London Underground, London Overground, Docklands Light Railway, Tramlink, London Buses and National Rail services in the Greater London area. Travelcards can be purchased for a period of time varying from one day to a year,...
s.
Special river service season ticket
Season ticket
A season ticket is a ticket that grants privileges over a defined period of time.-Sport:In sport, a season ticket grants the holder access to all regular-season home games for one season without additional charges. The ticket usually offers a discounted price over purchasing a ticket for each of...
s, valid for either 3 months or 1 year, are also available.
Main commuter service
Commuter service is between Embankment PierEmbankment Pier
Embankment Pier is a pier on the River Thames in London, UK. It is located on the North Bank of the river, immediately next to the Hungerford Bridge and directly outside the river entrance to Embankment tube station...
(on the north side of the river by Embankment tube station
Embankment tube station
Embankment is a London Underground station in the City of Westminster, known by various names during its history. It is served by the Circle, District, Northern and Bakerloo lines. On the Northern and Bakerloo lines, the station is between Waterloo and Charing Cross stations; on the Circle and...
and Charing Cross tube
Charing Cross tube station
Charing Cross tube station is a London Underground station at Charing Cross in the City of Westminster with entrances located in Trafalgar Square and The Strand. The station is served by the Northern and Bakerloo lines and provides an interchange with the National Rail network at station...
and railway
Charing Cross railway station
Charing Cross railway station, also known as London Charing Cross, is a central London railway terminus in the City of Westminster, England. It is one of 18 stations managed by Network Rail, and trains serving it are operated by Southeastern...
stations) and the Woolwich Arsenal Pier
Woolwich Arsenal Pier
Woolwich Arsenal Pier, also known as the Royal Arsenal Pier, Woolwich, is a pier on the River Thames, at Woolwich in the London Borough of Greenwich, UK...
(on the south side of the river in Woolwich
Woolwich
Woolwich is a district in south London, England, located in the London Borough of Greenwich. The area is identified in the London Plan as one of 35 major centres in Greater London.Woolwich formed part of Kent until 1889 when the County of London was created...
. The service runs every 20 minutes during the day, and every 30 minutes in the very early morning and evenings.
Stops include from west to east:
- Embankment PierEmbankment PierEmbankment Pier is a pier on the River Thames in London, UK. It is located on the North Bank of the river, immediately next to the Hungerford Bridge and directly outside the river entrance to Embankment tube station...
, near Embankment tube stationEmbankment tube stationEmbankment is a London Underground station in the City of Westminster, known by various names during its history. It is served by the Circle, District, Northern and Bakerloo lines. On the Northern and Bakerloo lines, the station is between Waterloo and Charing Cross stations; on the Circle and... - London Eye Pier, near Waterloo tube stationWaterloo tube stationWaterloo tube station is a London Underground station located at Waterloo station. It is the second busiest station on the network and is served by the Bakerloo, Jubilee, Northern and the Waterloo & City lines...
- Blackfriars Millennium PierBlackfriars Millennium PierBlackfriars Millennium Pier is a pier on the River Thames, in the Blackfriars area of London, United Kingdom. It is served by boats operating under licence from London River Services and is situated on the north bank of the Thames, adjacent to Blackfriars Bridge.The pier is located almost directly...
(weekdays only) for St Paul's CathedralSt Paul's CathedralSt Paul's Cathedral, London, is a Church of England cathedral and seat of the Bishop of London. Its dedication to Paul the Apostle dates back to the original church on this site, founded in AD 604. St Paul's sits at the top of Ludgate Hill, the highest point in the City of London, and is the mother...
and Blackfriars stationBlackfriars stationBlackfriars station, also known as London Blackfriars, is a central London railway terminus and London Underground complex in the City of London, England. Its platforms will eventually span the River Thames a short distance downstream from Blackfriars Bridge. The current entrance is located on the... - Bankside PierBankside PierThe Bankside Pier is a stop on the river bus service in London. It is located on the south bank of the river Thames, close to the Tate Modern museum....
(off-peak only) for the Globe TheatreGlobe TheatreThe Globe Theatre was a theatre in London associated with William Shakespeare. It was built in 1599 by Shakespeare's playing company, the Lord Chamberlain's Men, and was destroyed by fire on 29 June 1613...
and Tate Modern art galleryTate ModernTate Modern is a modern art gallery located in London, England. It is Britain's national gallery of international modern art and forms part of the Tate group . It is the most-visited modern art gallery in the world, with around 4.7 million visitors per year... - London Bridge City PierLondon Bridge City PierThe London Bridge City Pier is situated on the south bank of the River Thames in London, UK, close to London Bridge...
, for London Bridge stationLondon Bridge stationLondon Bridge railway station is a central London railway terminus and London Underground complex in the London Borough of Southwark, occupying a large area on two levels immediately south-east of London Bridge and 1.6 miles east of Charing Cross. It is one of the oldest railway stations in the...
, HMS Belfast and the London DungeonLondon DungeonThe London Dungeon is a popular London tourist attraction, which recreates various gory and macabre historical events in a grimly comedic 'gallows humour' style, attempting to make them appealing to younger audiences... - Tower Millennium PierTower Millennium PierTower Millennium Pier is a pier on the River Thames, in London, UK. It is operated by London River Services and served by various river transport and cruise operators...
, for St Katharine DocksSt Katharine DocksSt Katharine Docks, in the London Borough of Tower Hamlets, were one of the commercial docks serving London, on the north side of the river Thames just east of the Tower of London and Tower Bridge...
and the Tower of LondonTower of LondonHer Majesty's Royal Palace and Fortress, more commonly known as the Tower of London, is a historic castle on the north bank of the River Thames in central London, England. It lies within the London Borough of Tower Hamlets, separated from the eastern edge of the City of London by the open space... - Canary Wharf PierCanary Wharf PierThe Canary Wharf Pier is a London River Services pier on the River Thames in London, UK. It is located to the west of the Canary Wharf district, close to Narrow Street, Limehouse....
, for the Canary Wharf financial districtCanary WharfCanary Wharf is a major business district located in London, United Kingdom. It is one of London's two main financial centres, alongside the traditional City of London, and contains many of the UK's tallest buildings, including the second-tallest , One Canada Square... - Greenland Dock PierGreenland Dock PierGreenland Pier is a London River Services pier on the River Thames in London, UK. The pier is at the eastern end of Greenland Dock in the London Borough of Southwark, .-Services:...
, for Greenland DockGreenland DockGreenland Dock is the oldest of London's riverside wet docks, located in Rotherhithe in the area of the city now known as Docklands. It used to be part of the Surrey Commercial Docks, most of which have by now been filled in... - Masthouse Terrace PierMasthouse Terrace PierMasthouse Terrace Pier is a pier on the River Thames in London, UK. It is located at the end of Napier Avenue, off Westferry Road, at the southern end of the Isle of Dogs, and provides river bus services managed by London River Services.-Services:...
- Greenwich PierGreenwich PierGreenwich Pier is a pier on the River Thames in the London borough of Greenwich, UK. It is operated by London River Services and called at by various river cruise operators, mostly operating public cruise services to and from Central London...
, for GreenwichGreenwichGreenwich is a district of south London, England, located in the London Borough of Greenwich.Greenwich is best known for its maritime history and for giving its name to the Greenwich Meridian and Greenwich Mean Time...
, the Cutty SarkCutty SarkThe Cutty Sark is a clipper ship. Built in 1869, she served as a merchant vessel , and then as a training ship until being put on public display in 1954...
and the National Maritime MuseumNational Maritime MuseumThe National Maritime Museum in Greenwich, England is the leading maritime museum of the United Kingdom and may be the largest museum of its kind in the world. The historic buildings forming part of the Maritime Greenwich World Heritage Site, it also incorporates the Royal Observatory, Greenwich,... - QEII PierQEII PierNorth Greenwich Pier is a pier operated by London River Services on the River Thames, London, UK. It is situated on the Greenwich peninsula in south-east London, to the east of the Millennium Dome...
- Woolwich Arsenal PierWoolwich Arsenal PierWoolwich Arsenal Pier, also known as the Royal Arsenal Pier, Woolwich, is a pier on the River Thames, at Woolwich in the London Borough of Greenwich, UK...
(Direct service mornings only, shuttle to/from QEII Pier at other times)
Hilton / Canary Wharf ferry
Thames Clippers operates the direct cross river Canary Wharf - Rotherhithe FerryCanary Wharf - Rotherhithe Ferry
The Canary Wharf – Rotherhithe Ferry is a passenger ferry across the River Thames in the south east of London, UK. The service connects Canary Wharf Pier, serving the major Canary Wharf office development north of the river, with Hilton Docklands Nelson Dock Pier at the Hilton Hotel in Rotherhithe...
, between Canary Wharf Pier
Canary Wharf Pier
The Canary Wharf Pier is a London River Services pier on the River Thames in London, UK. It is located to the west of the Canary Wharf district, close to Narrow Street, Limehouse....
and the Hilton Docklands Nelson Dock Pier
Hilton Docklands Nelson Dock Pier
Hilton Docklands Nelson Dock Pier is the official name of a pier on the south bank of the River Thames in Rotherhithe, London, UK.-Services:The pier is served by the Canary Wharf - Rotherhithe Ferry, operated by Thames Clipper, which crosses the Thames to the Canary Wharf business district.Boats...
at the Hilton Hotel in Rotherhithe
Rotherhithe
Rotherhithe is a residential district in inner southeast London, England and part of the London Borough of Southwark. It is located on a peninsula on the south bank of the Thames, facing Wapping and the Isle of Dogs on the north bank, and is a part of the Docklands area...
. The service uses smaller boats than the commuter service but runs at a higher frequency of roughly every 10 minutes. The ferry can be used both by guests of the hotel as well as by passengers not staying at the hotel.
London Bridge / Canary Wharf Shuttle
Thames Clippers operates a shuttle service between London Bridge City PierLondon Bridge City Pier
The London Bridge City Pier is situated on the south bank of the River Thames in London, UK, close to London Bridge...
and Canary Wharf Pier
Canary Wharf Pier
The Canary Wharf Pier is a London River Services pier on the River Thames in London, UK. It is located to the west of the Canary Wharf district, close to Narrow Street, Limehouse....
. This service operates only on peak AM and peak PM Commuter Hours (Monday-Friday). Offering an additional 10 minute service which coincides with the main commuter service between these piers.
Tate Boat Service
The Tate Boat Service serves visitors travelling between the Tate ModernTate Modern
Tate Modern is a modern art gallery located in London, England. It is Britain's national gallery of international modern art and forms part of the Tate group . It is the most-visited modern art gallery in the world, with around 4.7 million visitors per year...
museum on the South Bank
South Bank
South Bank is an area of London, England located immediately adjacent to the south side of the River Thames. It forms a long and narrow section of riverside development that is within the London Borough of Lambeth to the border with the London Borough of Southwark and was formerly simply known as...
and the older Tate Britain
Tate Britain
Tate Britain is an art gallery situated on Millbank in London, and part of the Tate gallery network in Britain, with Tate Modern, Tate Liverpool and Tate St Ives. It is the oldest gallery in the network, opening in 1897. It houses a substantial collection of the works of J. M. W. Turner.-History:It...
in Millbank
Millbank
Millbank is an area of central London in the City of Westminster. Millbank is located by the River Thames, east of Pimlico and south of Westminster...
across the river.
The O2 Express
The O2 Express is an express service serving London Eye, London Bridge Pier and QEII PierQEII Pier
North Greenwich Pier is a pier operated by London River Services on the River Thames, London, UK. It is situated on the Greenwich peninsula in south-east London, to the east of the Millennium Dome...
for The O2
The O2 (London)
The O2, visually typeset in branding as The O2, is a large entertainment district on the Greenwich peninsula in South East London, England, including an indoor arena, a music club, a Cineworld cinema, an exhibition space, piazzas, bars and restaurants...
. The service also provides private charters.
Vessels
Thames Clippers operates 13 high speed catamarans.- Hurricane Clipper - 220 seats. Built in 2001.
- Cyclone, Monsoon, Tornado, and Typhoon Clippers - 220 seats. Built in 2007.
- Aurora and Meteor Clippers - 220 seats. Purchased in 2008.
- Sun and Moon Clippers - 138 seats. Built in 2001.
- Sky, Star, and Storm Clippers - 62 seats. Built in 1990 & 1991.
- Twinstar - 125 seats. Built in 1976.
Accidents
In February 2004, a woman was killed after she was hit, while waiting for a boat, by a mooring bollardBollard
A bollard is a short vertical post. Originally it meant a post used on a ship or a quay, principally for mooring. The word now also describes a variety of structures to control or direct road traffic, such as posts arranged in a line to obstruct the passage of motor vehicles...
which had come loose from the Star Clipper at St. Katherine's Pier.
}}
Wireless internet
Since May 2006 WiFi has been available on-board, the service is currently run by 'WiFi Hotzone'The future
A Policy ExchangePolicy Exchange
Policy Exchange is a British conservative think tank based in London. The Daily Telegraph has described it as "the largest, but also the most influential think tank on the right"...
report advocates significant expansion in river services on the Thames. The aim of the report is to lead to a "river tube line" being created which would lead to easing of current congestion on London's transport systems, and better quality of travel, at a significantly cheaper price than other options. Opponents note that the river capacity, especially at low tide could mean a reduction of tourist boats (especially at peak commuter times), and turn the Thames into urban highway which would be detrimental to London. To be feasible, the report calls for better management of river traffic, improved interchange with other public transport modes and expansion of key piers.
The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson
Boris Johnson
Alexander Boris de Pfeffel Johnson is a British journalist and Conservative Party politician, who has been the elected Mayor of London since 2008...
is responsible for the River Concordat group http://www.london.gov.uk/priorities/transport/investing-transport/making-better-use-river-transport group, which is made-up of over forty different organisations including Thames Clippers. His publication, By the River http://www.london.gov.uk/sites/default/files/uploads/by-the-river.pdf, sets out the strategic vision for improving river transport on the Thames.