Uber Commuter Boats

Thames Clippers commuter service to be rebranded Uber Boat; services can be booked through the US company's app.

09:59 14 July 2020

US firm Uber is set to buy the naming rights of London commuter boat service Thames Clippers. The formal partnership, which will be launched this summer, is a rolling contract expected to last for at least three years. It will see the rebranding of the 20-strong fleet of riverboats and Thames Clipper's piers from Putney to Woolwich. 

 

Uber users are able to book a Thames river journey through the app and they will still pay the same price. An integrated service could be in the works but for now, they will not be able to book an end-to-end journey with a connecting car. 

 

Sean Collins, Thames Clipper's 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 eased 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 and explore and enjoy our city by river." 

 

Uber's regional general manager for northern and eastern Europe, Jamie Heywood, said: "Many Londoners are looking for new ways to travel around the city, particularly when they start commuting back to work." 

 

The boat service has reduced capacity as per Transport for London (TfL) guidance. Passengers are were also required to wear a face mask when the service resume service on June 15 after being closed due to the Covid-19 crisis.