Building the bypass

There's a line from 'The Men from the Ministry' radio comedy where the Department of Transport had found a wide wiggly road going straight through the middle of London ripe for converting to 6 lanes. It turned out to be the Thames of course. It does look, however, that boats are finally gaining in popularity drawing commuters away from the capital's clogged arteries of roads and underground tunnels.

Only a short while ago plans were announced for a new trial service from Woolwich, soon to undergo huge development and investment, to the 'new city' of Canary Wharf and Docklands. It's just one of the iniatives following gradually increasing numbers on sleak, fast catamarans without congestion charges or signal failures.

It's still a crime how little the Thames is used and although I'm under no illusions about the prospect of hailing a boat a la Shakespeare in Love any time soon: the chances of any boat passing under a bridge as you walk over it are slight. There's also the financial squeeze: on the one side usage isn't at the point where operators can make it economic without subsidy and on the other prices are much higher than other public transport, the travelcard only gives you a small discount etc.

A shame I don't live right by the river or work in the City or Canary Wharf: cruising to and from work every day would be the coolest way to commute until I can afford the helicopter.