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Boris gives Woolwich ferry four more years
Felix Allen14.10.09
The future of Thames river commuter services to Woolwich was today guaranteed for another four years after Boris Johnson agreed to keep subsidising the ferries.
A contract with Thames Clippers expired in January, leaving the service between Woolwich Arsenal and the QEII pier in Greenwich under threat.
But under a new deal announced today, Transport for London and Greenwich council will pay the company £269,000 over four years. Part of the subsidy comes from money paid to Greenwich council by two housing developers.
About 800 people a day use the service to and from Woolwich, the last stop on a service calling at 11 other piers between Waterloo and the O2 arena. TfL said passenger numbers on river services were up 11 per cent this year.
Reader views (4)
There are many designs for passenger-carrying amphibious buses. Why not fund a couple of these for a few years - who knows, they might be self-financing? But I'm not convinced of the need to subsidise the present Woolwich ferry - what would the fare rise be if unaided?
- Stephen Lawrence, Cambridge, England
The city needs a bridge in the east end, when are we going to get one Boris.?
- Mr S.Port, London
One of his first actions as mayor was to cancel the East London river crossing, so yes he should keep the ferries running.
- Steve, Hackney, London
Good work Boris, keep it up!
- Gareth, London
