26 Apr Hammersmith Ferry to be operated by Thames Clippers
The Hammersmith Bridge Taskforce, established by the Department of Transport, asked Transport for London (TfL) to set up a temporary ferry service to provide the vital link across the river. After a competitive procurement process, TfL has now selected Uber Boat by Thames Clippers to run the service.
The service will take pedestrians and cyclists over the Thames, replacing the crossing via Hammersmith Bridge. The Bridge will continue to undergo vital repair and refurbishment works.
The route of the ferry will be from Queen Caroline Street Wharf on the north side to just east of Hammersmith Bridge on the south side. On the Barnes side there will be a bridge out from path level to a floating pontoon, while on the Hammersmith side there will be a long floating walkway out to a landing platform. Beckett Rankine has been awarded the contract for the pier infrastructure.
A full programme of engagement with the local community and other river users is underway, ahead of any planning applications being submitted.
The ferry will have a minimum capacity of 800 passengers an hour at peak times, with services running daily 06:00 to 22:00. The frequency of operation will be between 5-7 minutes in either direction during peak hours and 10-12 minutes off-peak. The crossing itself will take 90 seconds.
Fares are expected to mirror buses at £1.55, subject to necessary approvals, and 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.
The boats to be used are Fairey Brooke Marine ‘Hydrocat’ high-speed catamarans and are 25 metres in length. TfL expects that boats will be taking passengers across the river at the end of the summer, subject to consents.
TfL attended the BID’s Transport Forum on 15 April to give updates on the ferry; and the BID will continue to give further updates about the ferry service. In the meantime, TfL is encouraging feedback and is gathering questions via email.