Transport for London has received proposals from two bidders wanting to provide a cross-river ferry service near Hammersmith Bridge for pedestrians and cyclists, while the link undergoes essential repairs and refurbishment works.

City Cruises and Uber Boat by Thames Clippers are the operators who have submitted detailed bids to provide a service running between 6am and 10pm on weekdays and an off-peak service on weekends.

The service is expected to have a minimum capacity of around 800 passengers per hour at peak times. Fares are expected to mirror buses at £1.55 with a Hopper option and the same concessions accepted, subject to necessary approvals.

After a wider funding package was agreed with the Government, TfL urgently began a procurement process to appoint an operator to run the ferry. Those applying to carry passengers across the Thames were asked to demonstrate appropriate experience of running similar and relevant services.

A rigorous assessment process has resulted in two detailed proposals covering design, delivery and the running of the service. This includes the location of the piers, the type of boats that would be used and customer service standards.

The bridge has already been shut to traffic for more than a year, and is now also closed off to pedestrians and cyclists because structural surveys suggest it’s in “immediate danger” of collapse.

(Picture – Yay Images)