TfL Announces Reprieve for River Bus Service
Interim operator found for service from Chelsea Harbour
Transport for London (TfL) has announced that they have been able to appoint a new operator to run the Putney to Blackfriars River Bus service in the New Year.
Hundreds of Londoners, including Fulham residents who travel from the pier at Chelsea Harbour, use the service every day and many had expressed great concern that the service might end with the final Thames River Taxi service on December 23.
However Transport for London has now confirmed that Complete Pleasure Boats have been awarded a six month contract to operate the River Bus service from January 3, 2012. During that period Transport for London will finalise arrangements with an operator to take over the service on a longer term basis.
Andy Griffiths, Head of London River Services says: “I am delighted that we are able to confirm Complete Pleasure Boats as the interim operator of this popular service and that we will be able to ensure uninterrupted services for our passengers in January. Negotiations continue to finalise arrangements with an operator for the longer term and we expect to award a longer-term contract in early 2012.”
Assembly Member Richard Tracey says: "I am so pleased we together have been able to secure an ongoing service for the next six months.
" Clearly there is much more work to be done on a business plan for the future, but this shows the voices of Putney, Battersea and Fulham have been listened to. Now more and more people need to use the boats."
December 22, 2011
