By
Rebecca Gibson |
UK-based ferry operator Thames Clippers is to partner with multinational ride-sharing firm Uber to offer a combined river and road travel service to commuters and tourists in London from summer 2020.
To be named Uber Boat by Thames Clippers, the new partnership will enable Uber users to purchase advance ferry tickets via the Uber app and then use QR technology to seamlessly board the boats. Payments will be processed using the user’s Uber account details. In addition, passengers will still be able to buy tickets via the existing Thames Clippers sales channels or use their Oyster travel cards.
“Londoners are looking for new ways to travel around the city, particularly when they start commuting back to work,” said Jamie Heywood, Uber’s regional general manager for Northern and Eastern Europe. “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.”
The ferry service will continue to be fully operated by Thames Clippers and there will be no change in ownership. However, all boats and piers will be updated with the new Uber Boat by Thames Clippers branding.
“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,” said Sean Collins, founder and CEO of Thames Clippers. “The new partnership sees Thames Clippers and Uber, who both pride themselves on safety, reliability and comfort, come together. It 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. Watch this space; the partnership will support the ongoing expansion of our network, opening up more of London to fast, reliable journeys by water.”