Featured in the FTL Newsletter, May 2022
Barking Riverside is the largest housing development in east London, with planning permission for up to 10,800 new homes. The area is currently served by three bus routes, running partly on dedicated right of way. In the Autumn the extension of the Gospel Oak to Barking Overground line is due to open.
Adding to the mix is a new river service. Uber Boats has started a river bus service from Barking Riverside Pier. Boats will run from and to central London during peak hours Monday to Friday, and all-day during weekends, with a 20 to 30 minute frequency. The boats will also provide a connection across the river to Woolwich.
So often new developments are completed without adequate public transport provision compelling residents to feel they need to invest in a car. Barking Riverside proves that this does not have to be the case. It is an exemplar which should be more widely followed.