A
Policy Exchange report from 2010 advocated significant expansion in river services on the Thames. The aim of the report is to lead to a "river tube line" being created which would lead to easing of current congestion on London's transport systems, and better quality of travel, at a significantly cheaper price than other options. Opponents note that the river capacity, especially at low tide could mean a reduction of tourist boats (especially at peak commuter times), and turn the Thames into an urban highway which would be detrimental to London. To be feasible, the report calls for better management of river traffic, improved interchange with other public transport modes and expansion of key piers. The Mayor of London is responsible for the River Concordat group, which is made-up of over forty different organisations including Thames Clippers. The publication,
By the River, sets out the strategic vision for improving river transport on the Thames. Plans were announced in 2018 to expand further east down the river start with a calling at a pier in
Silvertown in October 2019 and plans in the future to go to
Thamesmead and
Barking. Proposals to extend the service westward to newly built piers at Fulham (as part of the Craven Cottage Riverside Stand development), and Hammersmith have met stiff opposition due to the heavy use of that stretch of river by rowing and sailing clubs. In 2017, Thames Clippers and
London Resort made a deal for the provision of Clipper services between Central London and the proposed theme park located on the
Swanscombe Peninsula in Kent. The Thames Clipper services are also planned to operate between the theme park and a park & ride car park located on the north side of the River Thames in
Tilbury Docks. These services are scheduled to start operation when the theme park opens. ==Sponsorship==