The tunnel will link Silvertown with Greenwich Peninsula, helping to alleviate heavy traffic at Blackwall Tunnel and providing an alternative crossing during maintenance closures
The long-awaited Silvertown Tunnel is set to open on 7 April, offering a new river crossing in east London that promises to ease congestion and improve public transport options. However, motorists should be aware that both the new Silvertown Tunnel and the existing Blackwall Tunnel will now have crossing charges, with various discounts available to certain residents and businesses.
The tunnel will link Silvertown with Greenwich Peninsula, helping to alleviate heavy traffic at Blackwall Tunnel and providing an alternative crossing during maintenance closures. As part of the changes, Transport for London (TfL) is introducing new public transport services, including a dedicated express bus route and a cycle shuttle service, to ensure more sustainable travel options are available.
Discounts for Low-Income Residents and Businesses
To help ease the transition, Royal Greenwich residents on low incomes may be eligible for a 50% discount on tunnel charges for at least three years. Those who qualify can check their eligibility and apply for the discount via TfL’s website. In addition, small businesses, charities, and Blue Badge holders will also have access to discounted or free crossings, but all users must register with TfL’s Auto Pay system to benefit.
Councillor Averil Lekau, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Climate Action, Sustainability and Transport, encouraged residents and businesses to take advantage of the available concessions.
“TfL’s Silvertown Tunnel is nearly open, and we want to ensure our residents and businesses benefit from this new crossing,” she said. “There will be free and more frequent public transport options like a new express bus service and cycle shuttle, as well as free DLR journeys. We also don’t want residents on low incomes, charities, and businesses to miss out on the discounts available for car use. If you plan to use either the Silvertown or Blackwall Tunnel, make sure you register for TfL’s Auto Pay.”
Enhanced and Free Public Transport Options
In an effort to encourage greater use of public transport, TfL has introduced several new and improved services that will run through the Silvertown and Blackwall tunnels. There will be 21 bus services per hour during peak times, including the new Superloop SL4 express bus and an extended route 129, both of which will operate through the Silvertown Tunnel. The existing route 108, which runs through Blackwall Tunnel, will also continue. Notably, bus travel through the tunnels will be free for at least the first 12 months for pay-as-you-go users.
Additionally, passengers using the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) between certain stations will have their fares refunded for at least a year after the tunnel opens. This applies to journeys between Greenwich/Cutty Sark and Island Gardens, as well as Woolwich Arsenal and King George V stations.
Cycle Shuttle Service
Cyclists will also benefit from a new, free shuttle service that will allow them to take their bikes through the Silvertown Tunnel. The shuttle will operate between Seagull Lane (north stop) and Millennium Way (south stop), running five times per hour between 6:30 am and 9:30 pm daily, except on Christmas Day. The service will remain free for cyclists for at least the first 12 months, and all vehicles used will be zero-emission at the tailpipe.
Multilingual Support
TfL has made information about the new tunnel and available discounts accessible to a diverse audience, translating key details into eight of the most widely spoken languages in east and southeast London. This initiative aims to ensure that all residents and businesses can benefit from the new transport links and financial support options.
The opening of the Silvertown Tunnel marks a major step in modernising London’s transport network, balancing the need for improved infrastructure with a push toward greener, more sustainable travel. With its combination of enhanced public transport, financial support for residents, and measures to cut congestion, the tunnel aims to provide a smoother, more efficient river crossing for thousands of Londoners every day
