Thames Clippers, one of London’s leading River Bus services was awarded ‘Ferry Operator of the Year’ at the National Transport Awards earlier this month, celebrating those making a real difference to transport across the UK.
Winning first place as a result of the tangible results achieved in improving the service and its customer experience, the award comes as the company celebrates its twentieth year of operation, having previously won the accolade in 2016 and 2017.
Sean Collins, Chief Executive Officer at Thames Clippers commented, “It’s an honour to have received this prestigious award. Thames Clippers is delighted to have regained the title of Ferry Operator of the Year. Our commitment to enhancing the London river transport network is moving at a considerable pace as we strive to continue to develop London’s infrastructure. I am extremely proud of the contribution from our great team and this award will take pride of place in our office.”
In addition, Thames Clippers has expanded with the addition of Royal Wharf Pier to their service. The opening was marked with an official launch with Deputy Mayor of London for Transport, Heidi Alexander and key stakeholder attendance.
The River Bus service provides a new transport option to and from central London for residents of the Royal Docks, visitors to ExCel London and travellers using London City Airport, as a new stop on Thames Clippers’ RB1 route.
The new service offers journey times of 38 minutes between Royal Wharf Pier and central London (London Bridge City Pier), with boats running a direct service every 20 to 30 minutes during morning and evening peak times and every 30 minutes during the day at weekends.
This addition to the Thames Clippers route marks another major milestone for Thames Clippers as it celebrates 20 years of operation this year. The opening of Royal Wharf Pier, located in Ballymore and Oxley Royal Wharf development, sees the network now offering transport to 23 piers across the capital. It supports the business’ ongoing investment to grow the service in the east of the city as well as the Mayor of London’s pier strategy to enhance these gateways for boat travel across the capital.
Sean Collins, CEO of Thames Clippers said, “We’re incredibly excited to be adding Ballymore and Oxley’s Royal Wharf Pier to Thames Clippers’ network and expand our popular commuter service to the residents of Royal Wharf and the wider Royal Docks. This new pier also adds a transport option for travellers using the 4 million passengers who use our services each year. We’re committed to continuing the eastward development of our service and our ongoing investment in London’s river travel infrastructure.”
Sean Mulryan, Chairman & Group Chief Executive of Ballymore Group commented, “The new pier, having launched for public service, in an incredible achievement for all involved and a great addition for Royal Wharf and Newham residents. We are delivering 3,385 new homes here in East London – which is in essence a new town, ultimately for 10,000 residents across 40 acres. This isn’t just a new build development for the people that live here; it brings a lot for the whole borough. The vision for the neighbourhood is being realised here, with the Royal Wharf Community Dock now open too, plus an NHS health centre, new nursery and primary school all on the way.”
For more information about Thames Clippers, please visit the website.
