London’s transport bosses face competition for getting commuters to work with free rides on the Thames for four days.
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.
“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.
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