Popular Bristol trial ferry service along historic canal to continue through summer

A trial ferry service connecting Netham Lock in east Bristol to the city centre has been extended through the summer.   

The route, which is operated by Bristol Ferry Boats, was run as a one-week trial earlier in May following a previous week-long trial last September.      

But the operator has now confirmed that the ‘scenic, relaxing commute’ along Feeder Canal will run until the end of September, resuming in June.       

It will operate weekday mornings at 8am and weekends at 10am, returning to Netham at 6pm and with a Temple Meads stop available both ways.    

Roisin Tobin-Brooke, co-director of Bristol Community Ferry Boats, said: “This is an exciting opportunity to serve residents in St Annes and Brislington and St George – offering them a scenic, relaxing commute into the city centre either for work or leisure. 

“As a not-for-profit community owned business, we are endeavouring to make this service a sustainable and viable transport link by subsidising the weekday commuter service (£3 each way) with the weekend service, where prices are in line with our day ferry service around the harbour (£8 for a 40 minute journey).”

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Tim Rippington, Labour councillor for Brislington East, added: “I am delighted to hear that the recent ferry trial between St Annes and the city centre was a success and will now be extended until September.

“There has been some great feedback from users of the service and I would encourage people to give it a go if they live locally and need to get to Temple Meads, Castle Park or the city centre for their work.

“I’ll be asking for the council to look at the possibility of infrastructure improvements at Netham Lock if this is to become a more permanent service.”  This service will resume on Monday, June 3, with tickets available online in advance. For more information, visit www.bristolferry.com