Plans to enhance an Uber Boat service for locals during the week in Barking have come one step closer. This happened after local cabinet members agreed to supply £450,000 worth of funding to aid in the project’s development. We want to take a closer look at this today. Then, if you want property management in Barking and Dagenham, you can speak to us.

More services

Barking Riverside Limited (BRL), the developer responsible for the massive development, would like Uber Boats by Thames Clipper (UBTC) to bring in an all-day, hourly service. They want this operating during the week. According to them, work patterns have seen huge changes because of the pandemic. A peak-only service doesn’t do it for everyone’s schedules anymore.

UBTC had been providing a peak Wednesday service as well as an all-day weekend service since April 2022 at Barking Riverside Pier. Barking Riverside is the final stop in the east. For the west, it’s Putney. In total, there are 24 stops. As a result, people can travel across the city on the water. However, BRL want more frequent services.

UBTC said to Barking Riverside Limited that an all-day service during the week is something that would only be possible over the next few years if funding was available. UBTC was asking for just over £1m to expand the weekday service.

Help with funding

Barking Riverside Limited isn’t able to afford the plans by itself. So, it asked Barking and Dagenham Council to provide £450,000 for the project. It comes from its Strategic Community Infrastructure Levy (SCIL). This would get spread across three years.

SCIL is a pot of money for infrastructure within the borough. It’s used on things like transport schemes and schools to support local neighbourhoods and communities. So, it is great to see some of it go towards more boat services.

Additionally UBTC is working to get three new boats. Originally, they were planning to service parts of West London. Instead, they will be handed over to the easternmost stop. This is if Barking Riverside Limited can gain extra funding. If you need the best services for property management in Barking and Dagenham, speak to us.

Comments from officials

Cabinet member for regeneration and economy Cameron Geddes spoke about the plans. He said it would aid businesses and residents in having a better-connected centre. Also, the increase in services would help with supporting local schools. These are ones that take day trips to Greenwich and Woolwich.

Darren Rodwell, leader of Barking and Dagenham Council had comments too. He said that the UBTC service had been a great success so far. The increasing amount of Uber Boats during the week will hasten change at in Riverside.

Dominic Twomey, deputy leader of the Council, was supportive of the plans as well. He said this was likely the definition of Strategic Community infrastructure as transportation is what they need.

Cabinet member for educational attainment and school improvement, Elizabeth Kangethe, was happy too. She said lots of teachers working in Barking Riverside had enquiries as to whether the service would increase during the week. The expansion of the services is something everyone can celebrate. This is because it will help the area keep their good teachers. Otherwise, they’d feel as if it were too much to travel through Barking. Plus, it is not only helping the locals; it also supports schools when they need to move around for trips.

Approval

Following discussions of the plans, cabinet members agreed to approve the recommendations in their cabinet report. This will see the council put £450,000 towards the endeavour over three years.

BRL will still need to gain the rest of the funding from other establishments like the Greater London Authority. The establishments would also include other local authorities that would like more services. There would be private sector partners too. However, the signs are positive.

We aim to please with property management in Barking and Dagenham

At Finefair Ltd, we go the distance to ensure clients love the management services we offer. Our team understands the challenges that come with overseeing properties. As a result, they strive to make the experience as straightforward as possible. We also offer unbeatable convenience as you can leave everything to us.

So, if you need the greatest services for property management in Barking and Dagenham, give us a call. We can advise you, explain the different things we offer, and more.