23 Feb Proposals received for a new Hammersmith ferry service
Transport for London (TfL) has received proposals from two bidders in its competition to determine who will provide a cross-river ferry service near Hammersmith Bridge for pedestrians and cyclists, while the vital link undergoes essential repairs and refurbishment works.
City Cruises and Uber Boat by Thames Clippers are the operators who have submitted detailed bids.
Local residents, Hammersmith businesses – and the general public – will be able to use a ferry that will run between 06:00 and 22:00 on weekdays and an off-peak service on weekends. The service is expected to have a minimum capacity of around 800 passengers per hour at peak times. Fares are expected to mirror buses at £1.55 with a Hopper option and the same concessions accepted, subject to necessary approvals.
The winning bidder is due to be announced in March. When an operator is chosen to run the ferry next month, it will be possible to set out the timing for the programme in more detail, but it is thought unlikely that the ferry will open before the summer 2021.
David Rowe, TfL’s Head of Major Projects Sponsorship, said: “We are working at pace to get a temporary ferry operating to ease the upheaval and inconvenience caused by the closure of Hammersmith Bridge. This ferry will restore the vital cross-river connection between Hammersmith and Barnes, and allow repair work to be done on Hammersmith Bridge at the same time. We look forward to appointing one of these shortlisted operators in the coming weeks and then having people onboard boats as soon as possible.”