Woolwich ferry to see services halved until next month say TfL
Woolwich ferry will see just one boat in operation instead of the usual two until next month according to TfL.
Both boats – the Dame Vera Lynn and Ben Woollacott – need generator engines replaced with work starting today and set to run until early April.
Two boats entered service back in 2019 replacing three vessels (which ensured one was always spare) and and the drop to two now means little resilience when work is needed.
Since 2019 the boats have seen numerous problems though reliability has improved recently.
Increased use
The ferry has seen greater usage since 2025 after tolls were applied to both the existing Blackwall tunnel and new Silvertown tunnel, with more vehicles then heading for Woolwich to avoid fees.
As traffic levels have grown buses have been ever more delayed. Not an unusual occurrence before tolls but one that’s now experienced ever more – and that was before current roadworks on the roundabout and stretch of road to Charlton.
Work on the roundabout and road will continue until 2027.
Oddly when proclaiming bus improvements owing to the new tunnel these delays to numerous bus routes further east aren’t mentioned by the Mayor and TfL.
Great – so further difficulties for pedestrians wanting to cross the river at Woolwich coupled with the ongoing broken down North Lift at Woolwich Foot Tunnel which has been out of operation for over three and a half years – since August 2022.
We are talking here about one lift – why is it beyond the ability of Greenwich and Newham Council to fix one lift ?
Would be optional for TfL to replace the existing ferry boats used on the Woolwich ferry service with battery powered ferry boats. As TfL wants to improve London’s transport further and to go more environmentally friendly and greener for the capital.
So they’re going to run HALF a boat? :/
Why should the Woolwich ferry be reduced. There were threats of stopping the shuttle ferry service entirely since the new Silvertown Tunnel was built.