News / boats
New trial ferry service launches
A baby and dog were among the first passengers on a new trial ferry service launched in Bristol.
The new route by Bristol Ferry Boats connects Netham Lock in east Bristol to the city centre, via Temple Meads.
A dozen people braved the rain for the first service from Netham Lock at 10am on Saturday morning.
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From Netham Lock, the boat named Margaret traveled along the Feeder Canal, before joining the Floating Harbour and arriving at Cascade Steps in the centre after 50 minutes.
A new trial ferry service has launched, connecting Netham Lock to Bristol city centre – photo: Charlie Watts
“The only boats that seem to come up here are rowing boats,” said skipper and Bristol Ferry Boats operations manager Michael Sergison, as he navigated the boat through the canal.
“We have got so many residents in east Bristol,” he added, himself living in Redfield.
“So we just thought why not try and do a service where we can actually get people from east Bristol into part of the centre.”
As well as being popular with rowers, Feeder Canal is backed onto by industrial warehouses and overlooked by weeping willows.
Michael added: “You got Feeder Road all the way along here, which is a bit uninspiring and already looks so much different compared to when you’re walking in the road.
“As we’re a small community business, we really need people to actually use the service or we can’t afford to run it.
“I was a bit worried this morning because of the rain that nobody was going to turn up for this ride, so absolutely delighted to see that we have got people that are already onboard.”
Bristol Ferry Boats’ Michael Sergison is hopeful the service will become permanent – photo: Charlie Watts
Among the first passengers was Phil White, who lives in Barton Hill and called the new service “a lovely experience, despite the weather being unkind”.
The pensioner said: “I’ve got a bus pass but it will be nice to use this in nice weather for the pleasure.”
The Netham Lock ferry route trial runs until September 24, with a weekend shuttle from Netham Lock at 10am, midday and 2.30pm; and departures from the city centre at 11am and 1.30pm.
Starting Monday, there will also be a weekday commuter service at 8am from Netham Lock, returning from the city centre at 5.15pm.
Main photo: Charlie Watts
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- New pontoon plans prompt noise concerns
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