Years of aggravation for Woolwich Ferry users may now be coming to an end – with Transport for London pledging to run a two-boat service from 5am to 9pm, seven days a week.
The free ferry service across the Thames has been blighted by delays and disruption before and after the introduction of new vessels five years ago because of industrial disputes and technical problems.
Last year services were briefly suspended and cut back to a weekday-only, one-boat service in an attempt to fix the issues with the new vessels once and for all, while workers were given a double-digit pay rise to fix industrial unrest that had begun under the ferry’s previous operator.
Now TfL says it is restoring the two-boat service and expanding operating hours in response to demand from users. Boats will run every 15 minutes.
Ferry users can also now hop on the new SL2 Superloop bus from North Woolwich, linking the area with Barking, Ilford and Walthamstow.
Darren Ellis, the ferry’s general manager, said: “ “We are delighted to be able to offer a new and improved timetable for the Woolwich Ferry, with passengers able to benefit from more frequent journeys and longer operating hours.
“We recognise how important this service is, particularly to local users, and will continue to work hard to enhance the ferry’s service and long-term reliability. This is just one of the ways the mayor and TfL are continuing to improve the capital’s river services, which is key to building a better and more efficient London for everyone.”