Uber Boat service to be launched in London

It has been confirmed that Uber is to expand its services in London by taking to the water, with the Thames Clippers commuter service to be rebranded as 'Uber Boat' and offer bookable trips through the ride-hailing firm's app.

Uber will buy the naming rights for the 20-strong fleet of boats and piers from Putney to Woolwich, in a contract expected to last for at least three years, according to the Guardian, but the service will continue to be fully operated by Thames Clippers.

There are hopes that the service will eventually become integrated with existing Uber services, but they will initially launch as fixed-scheduled trips. Thames Clippers tickets will still be available to buy elsewhere and the boats remain part of the Oyster network.

Uber boat sketch

Credit: Thames Clippers

Sean Collins, Thames Clippers' Co-founder and Chief Executive, said: "In our 22nd year of operation it is key that we continue to support London and its commuters with the ease of lockdown and return to work. The new partnership will allow us to link the two travel modes of river and road, providing Londoners and visitors with even more options to commute, visit, explore and enjoy our city by river."

Jamie Heywood, Regional General Manager for Northern and Eastern Europe, Uber, added: "Londoners are looking for new ways to travel around the city, particularly when they start commuting back to work. Later this summer we will launch the Uber Boat by Thames Clippers partnership in London as a means for people to travel into the City by water, which will be fully integrated through the Uber app.

Currently, the Thames Clipper service is running with reduced capacity and passengers are required to wear face coverings, in line with Transport for London (TfL) and Government guidance about public transport.

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