Transport > Transport Strategy > River Thames and waterways

River Thames and waterways

About three million people a year travel on the Thames by boat, and many more use the Thames-side footpaths. The river also has an important role in the movement of freight, carrying 2.5 million tonnes of cargo within London in 2005.

TfL encourages the use of the Thames for passenger and freight services. In particular, the importance of services that relate to London’s cultural and architectural excellence and tourism is recognised.

What has been achieved to date?

TfL’s London River Services is working to integrate passenger services on the Thames with the rest of London’s public transport network.
Promotion of increased use of the Thames is underway. The signing of Thames Piers on London Underground and inclusion of piers on walking maps has already been completed.
Transport for London is supporting "Thames Clipper" riverbus services over a 10-year period to provide high-speed catamaran services from Savoy Pier to Canary Wharf and Rotherhithe.
Travelcard holders are eligible for a 1/3 discount on many of the riverboat services.
A new pier at Millbank was opened in May 2003.
A review of wharves for freight has been undertaken.
The London Sustainable Distribution Partnership is considering options for future water based freight.
To improve accessibility for the mobility impaired, a Ramp Rider has been installed at Greenwich pier to facilitate access to the pier pontoon from the land at low tide. All London River Services’ piers are now accessible and step-free at all states of the tide.
Most of the newer river craft have dedicated wheelchair spaces and step-free access to and from boats is now available at most piers.

Related websites

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