Uber has revealed its next plan for transportation, and it concerns partnership with Thames Clippers and the construction of the Uber Boat.
The San-Francisco has covered several modes of transportation, including taxis, bicycles and electric scooters.
The partnership with Thames Clippers for Uber Boat appears to be the company's next move to dominate the transportation sector.
The multi-year partnership will launch later this summer, with the riverboats branded Uber Boats by Thames Clippers.
You will be able to travel along the river, from 23 piers in London, from Putney to Woolwich Arsenal . Passengers will be able to buy tickets either through the Uber app , which will be available to scan QR codes so you can board the boat contactlessly, or through existing services , such as contactless cards and Oyster .
The company has tested various Uber Boat services, including a Croatia cruise service for up to eight passengers, as well as boating services in Cambridgefor a weekend in August last year. However, this is the first time the service has been offered on a regular schedule.
Regarding this specific partnership, 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, especially now that they are starting to return to .work theroad, via the Uber app.”
Both companies are touting the benefits of river travel. Before the pandemic, Thames Clippers carried 1.4 passengers per square metre, which has now fallen to 0.85. In contrast, the London Underground initially carried five to seven people per square metre, and Transport for London has managed to reduce that to 1.3 passengers.
The ships' social distancing measures require all journeys to now be completely contactless, with passengers required to wear masks and staff required to have protective equipment.
Every year, over 4.3 million people cross the River Thames during their commutes and trips, and over 40% of passengers said they would prefer using Uber Boat as an alternative means of getting around the city.
Thames Clippers co-founder and CEO Sean Collins added:
«The new partnership brings together Thames Clippers and Uber, both of which have a strong reputation for safety, reliability and convenience. It will allow us to connect the two modes of travel, river and road, giving Londoners and visitors even more options for getting around, visiting, exploring and enjoying the city along the river..»
