FirstGroup has now taken over the operation of the IFS Cloud Cable Car on behalf of Transport for London (TfL). The IFS Cloud Cable Car links the Greenwich Peninsula with the Royal Docks area on the north bank of the River Thames.
The transfer was marked by a celebratory event at the Greenwich Peninsula entrance today, attended by TfL and FirstGroup colleagues as well as key stakeholders.
The contract, which was awarded in March this year, commenced on 28 June 2024, and has an initial core five-year term with the option to extend for a further three years.
Over the life of the contract, FirstGroup will support TfL in its vision to promote the cable car as a leader in London’s leisure market and deliver a number of improvements to the service. These include updates to the ticketing system to allow for the pre-booking of timeslots; events and commercial partnerships to encourage more visitors and summer circus promotions.
The Group also plans to deliver a local community programme with new apprenticeships, supporting qualifications for employees, creating educational outreach and work placements for school students in the local boroughs of Greenwich and Newham.
Graham Sutherland, FirstGroup Chief Executive Officer, said: “We are delighted to now be operating the IFS Cloud Cable Car on behalf of Transport for London, the only urban cable car in the UK. We are looking forward to working together and applying our extensive experience and expertise as a leading transport operator, to develop the customer proposition for this iconic London landmark and place the service at the heart of its local community. We are committed to providing the right learning and development opportunities to our colleagues, who will be integral to the success of the IFS Cloud Cable Car.”
Josh Crompton, TfL's Head of the IFS Cloud Cable Car, said: “More than ten years after opening, the IFS Cloud Cable Car continues to be a success with Londoners and visitors to the capital. I look forward to working with our new operator, FirstGroup, as we look to sustain and improve on our high levels of customer service and satisfaction.”