Boat company defends £95 Olympic price tag
- Tue, 15 May 2012
A canal boat company came under fire after it was revealed that they were charging £95 to transport people to the Olympic Park during the London 2012 Games.
Local MP Jim Fitzpatrick said the price of a trip with Water Chariots was "ridiculous", according to the BBC, claiming the £95 journey is "way outside the reach of most people's pockets".
However Peter Coleman, founder of Water Chariots, said it's not expensive. He said using Water Chariots is cheaper than taking a black cab for the same journey, which will leave from Tottenham Hale or Limehouse Marina.
Coleman believes it's a fair price for the service, which transports ticket holders straight to the Olympic Park and avoids queuing.
"It's about the experience," he said. "People are only going to do this once in their lifetime so we want to make it special. We are not taking advantage."
British Waterways said Water Chariots were awarded a 15-year licence to operate canal boats in the area because they had committed to a good legacy plan. Following the London 2012 Olympic Games some of the boats will become self-hire vessels, some will be available for private charter and some will be used for visits around the area.
Have your say!
Latest comments
Limhouse resident
June 19 10:51
Ridiculous. As a Limehouse resident, I can cycle up the canal to the olympics in 20 minutes. Why would anyone pay £95 for a 40minute journey up the most un-picturesque canal in London?
Richard Shorter ACMA
May 26 01:16
It does not sound dear to me. A lot of investment is required to set up this service and only a few weeks to recoup the costs.
Roger Preen
May 15 16:06
This service is not subsidised and the operators can have no idea of the take-up,if it is a roaring success wouldn't it be lovely if the price could be reduced
Marrie
May 15 14:38
I am travelling by train from Ebbsfleet and that will cost £33 rtn, however boats and planes both produce less co2. Thats a good thing