TFL has announced its proposal to change the opening hours for its cable cars.
The cars, which operate between North Greenwich and the Royal Docks in east London, were opened for the 2012 Olympics.
If the changes go ahead, the cable cars would operate an hour later on Monday to Thursday at 08:00 am, two hours later at 09:00am on a Friday, and an hour later on Saturday at 09:00am.
TFL has tracked customer journeys in both directions and concluded that on average only 20 customers use the service between 07:00 am and 08:00 am.
TFL stated on its proposal that “operating a near empty service is neither environmentally nor financially sustainable”.
But its passengers may disagree.
One of them told City News that the conferences held near the O2 “notoriously all have networking hours between 7:30 am and 8:00 am”
He added: “I think the hours that it currently operates are serviceable especially for people that are currently trying to get an earlier start on the day. It’s helpful and beneficial for the economy.”
Another user, who was heading with her daughter to school, was surprised by the proposal.
She said, “It would affect our school journey, because we need to be on the cable car at around 07:30 am to come this side.”
IFS cable car station in North Greenwich
Cable cars vs the Tube
City News tested the cable cars and the Tube to compare how long it would take to get to the other side of the Thames.
It took 09:39.71 minutes from station to station on the cable cars, and 11:26.55 minutes via the Underground, but that time depends on being able to catch the train as soon as you get to the station.
Comparing the two journeys, the cable cars were more relaxing, allowing a few minutes to lay back and enjoy the views.
The Tube you might find to be a little more packed, which could make things more difficult when traveling with children. And you must take two trains to cross the river: the DLR to Canning Town and then the Jubilee line to North Greenwich.
However, it might be cheaper to make the trip on the Tube.
Single fares for the cable car service between North Greenwich and Royal Docks are currently £6 for adults and £3 for children aged between 5 and 15.
They’re £1.90 for adults and £0.95 for kids aged 11-15 on the Underground.
The cable cars have transported people across the Thames since 2012
In a Freedom of Information request last year, TfL said the cable cars covered its operating costs and revealed a direct operating surplus (before capital renewals) of £2.6m.
HeadlineTfL announces proposal to reduce cable car hours
Short HeadlineLondon cable car hours might get cut
StandfirstIFS cable cars would open one hour later than it does now, and on Fridays it would open two hours later
TFL has announced its proposal to change the opening hours for its cable cars.
The cars, which operate between North Greenwich and the Royal Docks in east London, were opened for the 2012 Olympics.
If the changes go ahead, the cable cars would operate an hour later on Monday to Thursday at 08:00 am, two hours later at 09:00am on a Friday, and an hour later on Saturday at 09:00am.
TFL has tracked customer journeys in both directions and concluded that on average only 20 customers use the service between 07:00 am and 08:00 am.
TFL stated on its proposal that “operating a near empty service is neither environmentally nor financially sustainable”.
But its passengers may disagree.
One of them told City News that the conferences held near the O2 “notoriously all have networking hours between 7:30 am and 8:00 am”
He added: “I think the hours that it currently operates are serviceable especially for people that are currently trying to get an earlier start on the day. It’s helpful and beneficial for the economy.”
Another user, who was heading with her daughter to school, was surprised by the proposal.
She said, “It would affect our school journey, because we need to be on the cable car at around 07:30 am to come this side.”
IFS cable car station in North Greenwich
Cable cars vs the Tube
City News tested the cable cars and the Tube to compare how long it would take to get to the other side of the Thames.
It took 09:39.71 minutes from station to station on the cable cars, and 11:26.55 minutes via the Underground, but that time depends on being able to catch the train as soon as you get to the station.
Comparing the two journeys, the cable cars were more relaxing, allowing a few minutes to lay back and enjoy the views.
The Tube you might find to be a little more packed, which could make things more difficult when traveling with children. And you must take two trains to cross the river: the DLR to Canning Town and then the Jubilee line to North Greenwich.
However, it might be cheaper to make the trip on the Tube.
Single fares for the cable car service between North Greenwich and Royal Docks are currently £6 for adults and £3 for children aged between 5 and 15.
They’re £1.90 for adults and £0.95 for kids aged 11-15 on the Underground.
The cable cars have transported people across the Thames since 2012
In a Freedom of Information request last year, TfL said the cable cars covered its operating costs and revealed a direct operating surplus (before capital renewals) of £2.6m.
