Thames Clipper trial run gets to Canary Wharf in 45mins and Tower Pier 55mins from Gravesend

PUBLISHED: 13:07 08 August 2017 | UPDATED: 20:41 09 August 2017

Mike Brooke

Expanded river bus Thames Clipper to call at Canary Wharf on new commuter run. Picture: MBNA Thames Clippers

MBNA Thames Clippers

New Thames Clipper being launched. Picture: MBNA Thames Clippers

A new service is to whisk passengers by fast clipper to Canary Wharf from Gravesend next month in 45 minutes and on to Tower Pier in another 10.

It could turn the tide on Network Rail and London Underground with a morning river dash to work and a return evening homebound run.

Commuters go free Monday to Thursday, September 11 to 14, while MBNA Thames Clippers tests the demand.

“We want commuters to get the benefits of speed travelling by river,” Thames Clippers’ chief executive Sean Collins said.

Thames river bus seen from isle of Dogs passing the O2. Picture: MBNA Thames Clippers

“We’re optimistic about traffic volume and hope to offer greater transport links permanently to expand the river bus network.”

The 70 minutes trial run leaves Gravesend at 7.15am, stopping at Canary Wharf Pier at 8.03am, Tower Pier 8.13am, Blackfriars 8.19am and Embankment 8.25am.

The evening run leaves Embankment at 5.40pm, calling at Blackfriars 5.46pm, Tower Pier 5.52pm, Canary Wharf 6.02pm and Gravesend Town by 6.50pm.

Commuters are being advised to pre-book free tickets on MBNA’s Thames Clippers website.