Water Chariots

When it was announced, that a contract had been awarded to Water Chariots to ferry passengers from Tottenham Hale (4 miles) and Lime House Basin (2.5 miles) to the Olympic Park I was quite excited.

There used to be a trip boat based at Bromley by Bow which I had travelled on and really enjoyed, but due to regulations with regards to disabled passengers it was sold and now operates from the river Lee.

I have walked along the canal and have seen all the water chariot stops being erected and thought how lovely it would be to finally take my grandchildren on a boat that cruised and went through locks. Something Kai and Sian have missed out on. So the big announcement came on the news tonight, from today Water Chariots are operating and the price? £95 return for adults and £50 return for under 18's. Good job I was sitting down. Everyone is up in arms, THAT is a total rip off and they have been urged to rethink their prices but so far have refused, although they have said they will look at them again after the Olympics. Those journey's are roughtly £3 by DLR or £7 by train.

I know that diesel is expensive, but really?  Sadly, as much as I like boats, that is a price I am not prepared to pay. It is greedy. For a family of 4 that would be the hugely expensive sum of £290. 3 trips would buy a family of 4 a week on a narrow boat in low season. It would serve them right if all their trips remain empty. Take my advice, walk along the canal, it is just as nice and far cheaper. They are starting a blog soon and I for one, will be leaving a comment.