Transport for London’s contactless drive takes another stride forward
Londoners are now able to use contactless on the Thames.
Transport for London today announced that customers travelling on the MBNA Thames Clippers River Bus will be able to pay using contactless payment cards.
Using contactless is the same cost as using an Oyster Card, which TfL says is up to 19 per cent cheaper than the cash fare.
The Thames Clipper is the latest in a line of services that use contactless, after the bus, Tube, tram and most National Rail services have already changed the way people pay.
On the river service, travellers will be charged for their journey based on three river fare zones: West, Central and East.
Read more: MBNA takes the helm on Thames Clippers
Sean Collins, chief executive of MBNA Thames Clippers, said: “MBNA Thames Clippers made significant investment last year delivering two new vessels to meet our growing demand. We plan to further invest in our fleet and staff to continue to deliver a fast, efficient and comfortable service, for passengers travelling through our fantastic city.
“The delivery of contactless is one of the biggest milestones in MBNA Thames Clippers’ history and will significantly enhance the development of our ticketing system and further improve the passenger pre-boarding experience. I would very much like to thank Transport for London for their support in delivering this.”
TfL is trying to encourage the use of the river as a method of transport, hoping to increase passenger journeys along the Thames to 12m a year by 2020.
Andy Thompson, general manager for river services at TfL, said: “There is no better way of experiencing London than by taking to the river.
"By enabling customers to pay for River Bus services using contactless cards, a crucial part of our wider plans for the river, we hope to open up the Thames to more people and help make journeys across the capital significantly easier for all.”