Boris Johnson has pledged to extend Oyster cards to river boats in time for the 2012 Olympics.

The Mayor said he will extend the river taxi scheme to encourage people out of their cars and to ease overcrowding on the Tube.

Improving river travel was one of Mr Johnson's election pledges but no details have been revealed.

Asked if he wanted to "Oysterise" water transport Mr Johnson said: "Now that's something I intend to do. It is a useful way to get around. At the moment they are six times more polluting than buses, but I am determined to get it going."

Wandsworth council is also keen on extending boats as a form of public transport and has been lobbying Mr Johnson for his help.

Using planning powers the council has already made the developer of the new Riverside Quarter at Wandsworth Town pay £100,000 for a new pier.

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