Uber Boat by Thames Clippers might just have made experiencing a boat ride in the capital much more accessible.
Stopping across different parts of London with a regular timetable, there are more routes on offer than you would expect, too.
Since its launch in August 2020 along the River Thames, Londoners and city visitors have been able to board one of 20 boats departing on 23 piers.
Via the River Bus network, some four million people were already using the river to travel, but Uber Boat is designed to encourage more to get on board.
In September this year, Uber Boat by Thames Clippers was awarded funding for projects on developing green river transport for the future.
Instead of booking a car for your next journey, you might find a boat more favourable.
Here’s everything you need to know:
What Uber Boat routes are available?
The service runs from Putney in the west to Woolwich Royal Arsenal in the east.
There are stops at key central London piers including Canary Wharf Pier, London Bridge City Pier, Tower Pier, London Eye (Waterloo) Pier and Battersea Power Station Pier.
Depending on where you want to go, the timetable varies.
Central spots are visited every 10 or so minutes, while lesser used stations have boats coming by every half hour.
All piers are step-free and wheelchair accessible – except for Cadogan, London Bridge City and Wandsworth Riverside Quarter piers.
Passengers are often commuters and tourists.
What app do you need for Uber Boats?
Uber Boat is a ticketing partnership with Thames Clippers, so you can buy tickets from either the Uber app or through the Thames Clipper app.
Tickets can also be purchased on the Thames Clipper website, if you don’t have either app.
Contactless journeys are available too, including at the pier and onboard.
All passengers are required to wear a face covering. Plus there are hand sanitising stations throughout the boats and on piers.
How much is an Uber Boat ride?
Depending on where you want to go, prices vary.
Ticket prices start from £4.60 for an adult travelling in one zone, and rise to £13 and up for access to all zones.
An adult all-day River Roamer ticket starts from £18.40 per person for hop-on hop-off travel across all three zones.
There are also seasonal tickets which offer greater savings.
Like the Tube, the river is divided into west, central and east zones.
How to book an Uber Boat ride
Head to either the Uber or Thames Clippers apps, or the Thames Clippers website to book tickets.
You can use contactless too.
Uber told Metro.co.uk: ‘The ticketing partnership means that services are available on the Uber app, with users able to purchase tickets in advance to guarantee a seat and then use QR technology to board.
‘Payments are then processed using the Uber account details. Passengers are still able to purchase tickets via the existing Thames Clippers’ sales channels, including touching in and out with contactless or Oyster to pay as you go, via its own ticketing app and online, or at the pier.’
The boats and piers are branded as Uber Boat by Thames Clippers, but the service is continued to be fully operated by Thames Clippers.
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