Journey is a breeze for 500,000 on the river

Almost half a million Londoners are now using the river as their commuter route into work, according to figures published today.

Demand for places on rush-hour boats is now such that two new Thames catamarans start this week.

The 32-metre Sun Clipper will provide a non-stop 15-minute service from the London Eye to the Tower. It will be launched at a ceremony at St Katharine's Dock tomorrow.

Sister ship the Moon Clipper will extend services to Woolwich, creating a 25-minute link to Canary Wharf. Both boats seat 140.

"Last year we had 535,000 passengers, this year we expect 700,000," said Sean Collins, managing director of Thames Clippers. "The main driver has been the new homes developments along the Thames - and the inflexibility of the current transport infrastructure to accommodate the huge influx."

Most customers are commuters but holidaymakers also use the boats as a cheaper alternative to traditional Thames cruise boats.

The two new boats will bring Thames Clippers' fleet up to seven.

"It's such a civilised mode of transport - a joy to use," said commuter Jean-Pierre Moser, 37.

"I've used the service from Greenland pier in Surrey Quays to Savoy pier for five years. In that time they have only cancelled the service once because of very high winds. It's a great way to start and end my day. It takes about 45 minutes, which is about the same as the Tube.

"While commuters on the Tube are worrying about the BO of the person standing next to them, I am sitting in the sun with a gin and tonic chatting with the other passengers and enjoying incredible views of London."

A single journey costs from £2.50 to £4.25, according to its length. But with a Travelcard, single adult fares fall as low as ?1.65. Hop-on-hop-off River roamer tickets are £7.