The London Assembly's Transport Committee has published a report highlighting the improvements that still need to be made in order to make full use of the Thames as a resource for transport.
Caroline Pidgeon AM, Chair of the Transport Committee, said:
“While there have been some developments and passenger numbers have grown, it’s frustrating that progress is so slow on expanding a service that has so much potential – particularly for the 2012 Games.
“Our last report described the Thames as London’s forgotten highway and unfortunately in many ways it still is.
“It’s all a bit half-hearted. If Transport for London were to direct the same attention and energy at river services that it’s lavished on the cycle hire scheme it could turn the tide.”
The report highlights the key problems as the lack of a clear strategy, poor integration with other transport services and TfL’s half-hearted commitment to river services. While passenger numbers have increased, river services lack a specific representative on the TfL Board and actual delivery has been patchy.
Problems with poorly maintained or underdeveloped piers persist; mapping and ticketing is not properly integrated; and river services have not received the active support from TfL that has been so instrumental in boosting the popularity of modes like the cycle hire scheme.
The report calls for action in four specific areas to help increase the number of passenger journeys:
- There should be a TfL owned strategic plan for the development of river services.
- TfL should demonstrate greater commitment to river services, including appointing a specific representative to its Board.
- There should be further improvements to piers.
- There needs to be better publicity, signage, mapping and ticketing to attract more passengers.
You can read the full report here.
