Passengers who currently commute to work using the capital's river services will soon be able to pay for their journey with an Oyster card.

London Mayor Boris Johnson announced that those travelling on the Thames Clipper services will have the option of using an Oyster pay-as-you-go card from November this year.

The Greater London Authority also announced that from today (April 6th), there would be a new river service running directly between Canary Wharf and London Bridge.

Commenting on the new system, Mr Johnson said: "With the right mixture of investment and imagination river services can become a truly integral, as well as an extremely pleasant, part of the capital's transport network.

"Oysterising the Thames as well as providing clearer signage to the piers and services available will make it much easier for Londoners to travel on the river."

He added that he believed the Thames would form a "vital part of the 2012 transport strategy" and highlighted the importance of getting the river services "up to scratch" in time for the Games.

The Thames Clipper began operation in 1999 and offers commuter services between eastern and central London, in addition to transport for the capital's tourists.
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