§ Mr. SpearingTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what proposals he has received concerning public river transport on the Thames in central London as an integral part of London's existing public transport system; and what consequent action he is planning. [39677]
§ Mr. BowisI recently met the hon. Member and my hon. Friend the Member for Romford (Sir M. Neubert) with representatives of the group, Transport on Water.
Earlier this year, London First published "The Business Case for a Passenger Transport Service on the River Thames". Building on this report, the cross river partnership is examining the potential for a public transport service on the Thames and possible requirement for new piers. I look forward to the results of the cross river integrated public transport study in the new year.
I support the concept of passenger services on the Thames, but it is for the private sector to develop and operate these services. The Port of London Authority recently granted access to some of its piers to three companies that have expressed an interest in starting new passenger services on the Thames. This announcement is encouraging.