The new River Link waterbus, tested on the River Clyde this summer, has welcomed its 4,000th passenger on board.
Clyde Cruises, operators of River Link, confirmed that the
summer service, supported by Clyde Waterfront and Glasgow City
Council, has proved so successful, it has been extended for another
five weeks, up to Saturday, October 16th 2010.
After the launch of River Link on May 26th, Clyde Cruises replaced
the original vessel with a larger boat, the MV Rover, to meet
passenger demand.
Lars Frang, from Oslo, the 4,000th passenger on River Link this
summer was presented with a bottle of malt whisky. He is a member
of a 30 strong delegation of urban planners from Oslo, visiting
Glasgow to learn more about the regeneration of the Clyde
waterfront in recent years.
Mr.Frang, a senior analyst for the city of Oslo said, "It was a
very pleasant surprise to be the 4000th passenger. From what we
have seen today of the regeneration of the River Clyde, it is an
exciting place to be and the riverbus is a great way to view the
transformation that has taken place. I do think that, whether they
are local people or visitors to the city, many more people should
try out this riverbus service".
A broad mix of passengers has used River Link including tourists
from as far as Australia and Canada, families on a day out, older
people with past connections to the river and even staff working in
the International Financial Services District and the Digital Media
Quarter, popping down to Braehead for some retail therapy.
The service runs five days per week (Wednesday - Sunday) offering
at least three daily return services from Braehead (first 10:15)
via the Science Centre at Pacific Quay to the Broomielaw in the
city centre (last 15:30).
A one way journey takes just over half an hour including one stop
and single fares range from £1.50 - £3 for adults, £1 - £2.50 for
concessions and
75p - £1.50 for children.
Hamish Munro, managing director, Clyde Cruises
(www.clydecruises.com) said, "We were always excited about the
potential for this service and it has been such a pleasure to
record passenger numbers ahead of our original expectations. The
success of the service this summer proves there is a demand from
people to travel on the river and we very much hope this is the
start of bigger things to come in future years."
Cllr. Gordon Matheson, Leader of Glasgow City Council, said: "It
is wonderful that the River Link waterbus has been so successful in
giving many people a chance to see our city from a totally
different perspective.
"Taking a trip on the water affords passengers a fantastic insight
into Glasgow's proud maritime past. It also showcases the massive
modern day transformation of the Clyde, which has been at the heart
of Glasgow's recent self regeneration.
"It is tremendous to see this service has been such a hit with
Glaswegians and visitors alike. It bodes well for its future
success."
Clyde Waterfront Strategic Partnership (www.clydewaterfront.com)
was established to support the Clyde's revitalisation as a world
class waterfront location, through a projected £5-6 billion of
public and private investment in economic, social and environmental
regeneration projects.
Derek McCrindle, Director of Clyde Waterfront said, "The River
Link waterbus fits in well with Clyde Waterfront's aim to make the
Clyde a vibrant and thriving place. We believe strongly that
the River Clyde deserves to have a service like this and we are
delighted that locals and visitors to the area have supported it,
discovering for themselves the fantastic visitor attractions and
remarkable transformation taking place on both banks of the
river."