New wave of river bus routes for Thames

London's largest river bus commuter service today revealed new and expanded routes.

Thames Clippers announced a partnership with KPMG, the accountancy and professional services giant, as it prepares for the Olympic Games and record numbers of passengers.

The service, which already runs through central London between Millbank and Royal Arsenal will be extended westwards to St George Wharf Pier at Vauxhall.

A peak time London Bridge to Canary Wharf service - journey time nine minutes - is being reintroduced; weekday services from Blackfriars will increase to include hourly departures throughout the day.

Plans are being considered for a further major westbound extension to Putney. New services come into effect from Monday, October 3.

Mayor Boris Johnson and Transport for London (TfL) have already highlighted the importance of river services throughout the Games; a million extra journeys across all modes of transport throughout the capital are forecast.

The river bus company boasts a "reliable means for the thousands of expected guests to travel between central and east London in comfort and style." It provides an "alternative" to the Jubilee line when that goes wrong.

The nine high speed catamarans in the KPMG Thames Clippers fleet have been rebranded in white, blue and yellow livery.

The river bus company, co-founded by Thames Waterman Sean Collins 12 years ago with a single craft, carried just 80 passengers a day.

It now carries three million passengers a year - a number expected to increase substantially next year aided by the huge influx of tourists for the Games.

Managing director Mr Collins, 42, said the partnership with KPMG brings the "traditional relationship between the river and commerce up to date.

"KPMG Thames Clippers links key business districts the length of London yet the river remains an overlooked means of transport."

Terry Corby, KPMG marketing and communications officer, said: "This is a key strategic partnership for us, strengthening our brand awareness and highlighting the importance of central London and Canary Wharf as vibrant business districts in the capital."

The company is the first river bus to join the Oyster card network giving passengers using pay-as-you-go a 10 per cent discount. Those with a travelcard included receive a third off.