Transport for LondonLondon River Services
It also owns the three Woolwich vehicle ferries and their associated terminals and facilities.
LRS is responsible for integrating London's river transport services with the rest of the city's transport network. This is achieved using signs, maps, diagrams and timetable guides to inform passengers of how they can interchange at piers.
The operation of the free Woolwich Ferry service is overseen by LRS, on behalf of TfL.
LRS also provides financial support for the Thames Clippers service from the London Eye to Woolwich Arsenal, which runs Monday to Friday during peak hours. All other Thames Clippers services are operated commercially.
Future plans
By the River is the Mayor's plan for enhancing river transport in the Capital. The plan aims to support the growth of river services, and improve facilities and accessibility for all Londoners and visitors.
Piers
From its passenger piers LRS licenses the following services:
- Scheduled river bus services
- Scheduled leisure services
- Charter services, typically for corporate or private hire
In 2007/08, 700,000 passengers used the Thames Clippers Monday to Friday peak hours riverbus service, and 2.3 million passengers used LRS-licensed leisure and charter services from piers owned by LRS.
The eight LRS piers are located at: Millbank, Westminster, Embankment, Festival, Blackfriars, Bankside, Tower and Greenwich.
Millbank
Millbank pier opened in 2003 and is located next to the Tate Britain. Funding for the pier was provided by TfL, The Millennium Commission, City of Westminster, Tishman Speyer and Tate.
From Millbank pier Thames Clippers riverboat services run to Bankside, connecting passengers with the Tate Modern and other South Bank attractions.
Westminster
Westminster pier opened in 2000, replacing an existing pier. It is located next to Westminster Underground station and is the largest LRS pier.
From Westminster pier leisure services run to Tower and Greenwich all year round, and to Kew, Richmond, Hampton Court and the Thames Barrier during summer.
Embankment
Embankment pier was acquired by LRS in 1999, after ownership was transferred from the Port of London Authority. Part of the pier is occupied by Sodexo Ltd, who use it to operate a restaurant cruise business.
From Embankment pier a 'hop-on, hop-off' circular cruise operates daily and riverbus services run to the O2 Arena and Woolwich Arsenal.
Festival
Festival pier was acquired by LRS in 1999, after ownership was transferred from the Port of London Authority. It is located next to Festival Hall.
From Festival pier a 'hop-on, hop-off' circular cruise operates during summer.
Blackfriars
Blackfriars pier opened in 2000. It was funded by The Millennium Commission, the Corporation of London and London Transport.
From Blackfriars pier riverbus services run Monday to Friday, during peak hours and evenings only, to the O2 Arena and Woolwich Arsenal.
Bankside
Bankside pier was acquired by LRS in 1999, after ownership was transferred from the London Borough of Southwark. It is located next to the Globe Theatre and close to Tate Modern.
From Bankside pier a 'hop-on hop-off' circular cruise operates during summer and riverbus services run to the O2 Arena and Woolwich Arsenal.
Tower
Tower pier was acquired by LRS in 1999, after ownership was transferred from the Port of London Authority. The current pier, located next to the Tower of London, replaced one that opened in 1926 and was funded by The Millennium Commission, Pool of London Partnership and London Transport.
From Tower pier leisure cruise and riverbus services run to Westminster, Greenwich, the O2 Arena and Woolwich Arsenal. Part of Tower pier is used as a terminal for cruise ships.
Greenwich
Greenwich pier was acquired in 1999 after ownership was transferred from the Port of London Authority. It is located near Cutty Sark Gardens and the Cutty Sark DLR station.
From Greenwich pier leisure cruise and riverbus services run to Westminster, Tower, the O2 Arena and Woolwich Arsenal.
Woolwich Ferry
The Woolwich Ferry carries around one million vehicles and over two million passengers a year.
The ferries, terminals and facilities are owned by LRS, but the ferry service is operated by Serco Ltd under contract to LRS. The three ferries in use today were built in 1963 and the current terminals were opened in 1965.
