London River Services have just announced the result of their tender for the licence to operate the commuter river bus service between Blackfriars and Putney. The tender was instigated after Thames Executive Charters (TEC) elected to pull out of the service in October. CPB was one of two bidders for the service. CPB is delighted to announce that it has been awarded the licence to provide the service starting on the 3rd January 2012 initially for a trial period of 6 months .CPB currently operates the 730am and 1825pm river bus service from Blackfriars to Putney as part of the TEC offering and indeed Ed Langley CPB's Managing Director started the service to Putney in 2005 after he realised that there was a real opportunity to provide a safe and reliable river service to commuters travelling from south west London to the City.

The service will be provided by the Henley and the Viscount two boats with an incredible heritage on the river. The Henley was built in 1896 and the Viscount in 1908. These boats provide a comfortable, reliable and economical journey for commuters, Commuters are treated to free tea, coffee and toast on their journey. The service runs to timetable and the journey treats commuters to amazing views of some of London's key attractions on their way to work. For many commuters their daily river journeys are a way of life and after a relaxing and stress free journey to and from work. The boats are fuel efficient and environmentally friendly - an important consideration in this day and age  

The prospect of the route no longer running when TEC elected to pull out raised unprecedented commuter concern and support for the Henley and the Viscount - well over 100 of the Henley's passengers gave expressed support for the continuation of the service by way of a signed petition.

Ed Langley CPB's MD said 'We are absolutely delighted to be given this opportunity by LRS  to provide the river bus service to Putney which will ensure both continuity for our existing  passengers and the opportunity for new passengers to enjoy our service. For many commuters the journey to work is a chore but for our passengers often the journey to work is the best part of their day. We will provide a full timetable of morning and evening services and promise reliability and a first class crew.'

Notes

(The boats start at Putney and stop at Wandsworth Riverside, Chelsea Harbour, Cadogan Pier, Embankment and Blackfriars). Tickets can be purchased on the boats.

Complete Pleasure Boats operates the Henley and the Viscount and provides charter and scheduled services on the River Thames. Summer scheduled services operate to Hampton Court. 

Last Updated ( Thursday, 22 December 2011 )