London’s river transport network has expanded with the addition of Royal Wharf Pier to the Thames Clippers service, the opening was marked with an official launch on 7 November with Deputy Mayor of London for Transport, Heidi Alexander and key stakeholders in 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 20-30 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 London’s leading River Bus as it celebrates 20 years of operation this year. The opening of Royal Wharf Pier, located in Ballymore and Oxley’s 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, announced yesterday, 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 London City Airport. Increasing access to such a key transport hub will be of real benefit to 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, is 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.”

Thames Clippers is London’s fastest and most frequent River Bus service. Passengers can travel from Royal Wharf Pier directly to key central London piers such as Westminster, London Eye (Waterloo), Blackfriars, Embankment, Canary Wharf, Battersea Power Station and London Bridge City.

Weekly, monthly and annual season ticket options are available, with prices starting from £27.00 for a one week East Zone only pass. Commuting with Thames Clippers can work out as little as £1.50 per journey with an annual season ticket.