06/03/2019
Bath, a city renowned for its Roman Baths and Georgian architecture, has introduced a novel addition to its transport network: the 'Waterbus'. This unique service aims to provide an accessible and eco-friendly way to navigate the picturesque Kennet and Avon Canal, connecting communities and offering a delightful travel experience for residents and tourists alike. The launch of this pioneering electric boat marks a significant step towards sustainable urban mobility, ensuring that more people can enjoy the city's waterways.
What is the Bath Waterbus?
The 'Sir John Knill Waterbus' is a specially designed, wheelchair and buggy-friendly electric boat that has recently begun ferrying passengers along the canal in Bath. Unlike traditional taxis or buses, this service operates on water, offering a unique perspective of the city and its surrounding areas. It has been created with accessibility at its core, featuring easy access to the canal banks, making it an inclusive option for families, individuals with mobility challenges, and anyone looking for a comfortable and scenic journey. The boat itself is described as being very comfortable, complete with lighting and music, enhancing the overall passenger experience. It is an initiative by Helen and Jenkyn Knill, who also operate the luxury private hire cruise boat, the Lady Lena.
Key Features and Accessibility
One of the most striking aspects of the Waterbus is its commitment to accessibility. The boat has been specifically designed to accommodate wheelchairs and pushchairs, removing a significant barrier for many potential passengers. This thoughtful design ensures that families with young children and individuals with disabilities can travel with ease and comfort. Mrs. Knill highlighted that the service is "ideal for families with children in pushchairs." The boat's construction, which took place in Poland, focused on creating a welcoming and user-friendly environment. Beyond its accessibility features, the Waterbus offers a pleasant onboard experience with integrated lighting and music, contributing to a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere for all passengers.
Operational Details: Routes and Timings
The Waterbus service commenced its operations with an inaugural trip from Bathampton into the city centre. The initial journey on Saturday, July 1st, saw passengers being collected by the George pub on the Kennet and Avon Canal at 10 am. While the first day was described as quiet, the following day, Sunday, proved to be "fantastic," with consistent passenger numbers throughout the day and considerable local interest. The service is scheduled to run on weekends until the school holidays begin, after which it will operate daily, with the exception of Mondays, throughout the summer. Journeys start at 10 am, and the final departure from Bathampton is at 6 pm. The route connects passengers from the George pub to either Sydney Wharf or Top Lock, located off Bathwick Hill. This provides convenient access to different parts of the city, including key transport links, as evidenced by a group of tourists using the service to reach the train station while transporting their suitcases.
Fares and Concessions
The pricing structure for the Waterbus is designed to be affordable and family-friendly. A one-way trip costs £5 for adults. For children, the fare is £2.50, and this same concessionary rate also applies to carers accompanying wheelchair users. To further encourage regular use and support specific passenger groups, children under the age of three can travel for free. The operators are also planning to introduce loyalty cards, offering additional concessions for frequent travellers. This tiered pricing and concessionary system aims to make the Waterbus an accessible option for a wide range of individuals and families.
The Impact and Reception
The reception to Bath's new Waterbus has been overwhelmingly positive. Mrs. Knill expressed her satisfaction with the public's response, noting the high level of interest and the successful operation on its opening weekend. The service has already proven its utility beyond leisure travel, with tourists using it as a convenient mode of transport. The operators are hopeful that this initiative will enhance Bath's reputation as a forward-thinking city, particularly in its adoption of electric and accessible water transport. This electric-powered boat represents a commitment to sustainable tourism and local transport solutions, offering an environmentally friendly alternative to conventional road-based transport. The success of the initial days suggests a strong demand for such services, potentially paving the way for future expansion or similar initiatives in other canal cities.
Comparing Waterbus to Traditional Taxis
To understand the unique value proposition of the Waterbus, it's useful to compare it with traditional taxi services in Bath. While taxis offer door-to-door convenience on roads, the Waterbus provides a different, often more pleasant, travel experience. Here's a comparative look:
| Feature | Bath Waterbus | Traditional Taxi |
|---|---|---|
| Mode of Transport | Electric boat on canal | Car/Van on roads |
| Capacity | Family-friendly, wheelchair/buggy access | Varies by vehicle, limited accessibility options |
| Route Flexibility | Fixed canal route | Point-to-point, high flexibility |
| Experience | Scenic, relaxed, unique perspective | Functional, direct, potentially stressful (traffic) |
| Environmental Impact | Low (electric powered) | Higher (fossil fuels, emissions) |
| Cost (typical one-way) | £5 Adult, £2.50 Child/Carer | Variable, often higher depending on distance |
| Accessibility | High (designed for wheelchairs/buggies) | Limited, requires specific accessible vehicles |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Is the Waterbus accessible for wheelchairs?
Yes, the Waterbus has been specifically designed with wheelchair access to the canal banks and is very comfortable for passengers using wheelchairs.
Q2: What are the operating hours and days?
The Waterbus runs on weekends until schools break up, and then daily (except Mondays) throughout the summer holidays. Journeys start at 10 am, with the last departure at 6 pm from Bathampton.
Q3: How much does a ticket cost?
A one-way trip costs £5 for adults and £2.50 for children or carers with wheelchairs. Children under three travel for free.
Q4: Where does the Waterbus travel?
The route is from the George pub in Bathampton to either Sydney Wharf or Top Lock off Bathwick Hill.
Q5: Is the Waterbus an environmentally friendly option?
Yes, it is an electric-powered boat, making it a significantly more environmentally friendly option compared to traditional fossil-fuel-powered transport.
Conclusion
The introduction of the 'Sir John Knill Waterbus' in Bath is a commendable initiative that blends innovative transport solutions with a commitment to accessibility and sustainability. It offers a unique and enjoyable way to experience the city's beautiful canal network, catering to a diverse range of passengers. As the service continues to operate throughout the summer, it is poised to become a popular and cherished feature of Bath's transport landscape, demonstrating how water transport can be effectively integrated into urban mobility for the benefit of all.
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