Trial starts for new ferry route from city centre to east Bristol

Bristol’s iconic blue and yellow ferry boats are trialling a new route which will serve east Bristol.

The trial continues until September 24 and it will run a shuttle service from Netham Lock to the City Centre, via Temple Meads.

Bristol Community Ferry Boats currently operates a daily waterbus service that serves seven landing stages within the Bristol Floating Harbour, on a timetabled schedule.

This new route will broaden their service to East Bristol. The use of Netham Lock is a useful and much-needed stop for the residents of St Anne’s, which is underserved when it comes to public road transport, and is the closest access point before reaching Temple Quay.

On weekdays until September 24, the ferry will depart Netham Lock at 8am, travelling via Temple Meads and finishing at the city centre at 8.45am. Commuters can then catch the ferry back from the centre at 5.15pm for a 6pm arrival back at Netham Lock.

Next weekend, there will also be a service departing from Netham Lock at 10am, 12pm and 2.30pm on Saturday September 23 and Sunday September 24.

As this is a trial, boat crew will be handing out surveys to help gather data on how to best improve the service. Fares are £6 each way for the 40 minute journey and only card payments can be accepted on board, not cash.

Roisin Tobin-Brooke, co-director of Bristol Community Ferry Boats, said: “We are excited to explore the possibility of expanding our services, especially after the last few years spent recovering from the impact of the pandemic.

“We are always seeking ways to better serve the community, and a trial is the ideal way to assess whether there is a need for this extended service. As a small community owned business, it’s essential that we use our limited resources effectively and develop services sustainably, so establishing local need is a critical factor in our development strategy.

“Therefore, if people would like this service for the long term we implore them to please vote with their feet!”

Tim Rippington, Labour Councillor for Brislington East, said: “The St Anne’s area is very poorly served by public transport and Temple Meads in particular is very difficult to reach, so any additional options which allow people to leave their cars at home are very welcome. I really hope people will give this a go – it’s a very pleasant and stress-free way to get around!”