THE THAMES Cable Car, stretching between the 02 Arena in Greenwich and the ExCel Centre at the Royal Docks, is to open for business next week, on the 28th of June, it has been announced.


Popular on LondonNet


Once fully operational, up to 2,500 passengers an hour will be carried in 34 cable cars leaving every 30 seconds, the cross-river route reaching 160 feet (49 metres) into the sky, a height that provides mouth-watering views of east London and much beyond.

Officially, the £50 million cable car has been christened the Emirates Air Line, a witless name presumably cooked up by the sponsors, who have also provided a spectacular piece of corporate PR-speak for the occasion.

“The Emirates Air Line will bridge people closer, enabling them to discover, connect and express their ideas about this diverse city through crossing its majestic river, providing an incredible travel experience for residents, commuters and visitors alike,” said Tim Clark, boss of the Emirates airline, as well as the Emirates Air Line.

Also revealed today are the ticket prices for the 1.1 mile trip, with the cost to an adult using an Oyster card set at £3.20 for a single fare and £6.40 for a round trip.

Without an Oyster card, a single fare is to be £4.20. Under fives go free, while 5-15s have to cough up £1.60.

“On 28 June this spectacular new addition to London’s skyline will provide a much needed new river crossing in the east of our great city,” said London Mayor Boris Johnson.

On the 28th, the cable car will be open from midday, but from then on the schedule is as follows: on week days, the cable car will be open between 7am and 9pm; on Saturdays between 8am and 9pm and on Sundays from 9am to 9pm.