Uber launches commuter boat service in London

Uber has announced it is to launch a boat service in London this summer in partnership with Thames Clippers.

The collaboration will see branded vessels operate between Putney and Woolwich, with passengers able to book tickets using the US-based company’s popular app.

It will be Uber’s first permanent commuter boat service. However, the service will still be run by Thames Clippers.

The move comes as passengers numbers on trains and buses remain low due to fears over catching Covid-19.

“Many 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 in London as a means for people to arrange travel on the river and road, all through the Uber app.”

Thames Clippers co-founder and chief executive Sean Collins 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 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.”

Last month, the taxi hailing service made face coverings mandatory for all passengers. Uber also require drivers to wear face masks.

In London, drivers will have to share a selfie showing they are wearing a face covering before they start a shift, a measure that the company is considering rolling out across the UK.

Drivers are now able to cancel a trip without a penalty if a rider isn’t wearing a face covering, and vice versa.

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