A new, interim operator has been announced to run the Gravesend to Tilbury ferry.

The service, on which around 120,000 journeys are made each year, will now be provided by Jet Stream Tours.

It was being run by the Lower Thames and Medway Passenger Boat Company. A new permanent contract for the service should be in place later this year.

The new temporary contract for the ferry service is financially supported by Thurrock Council and Kent County Council.

Jet Stream Tours will provide exactly the same service, operating on the same days and to the same timetable.

Fares will also remain unchanged and the new vessel will continue to accept passengers with bicycles. Unfortunately, the new vessel will not be able to accommodate motorbikes.

The service operates from the Port of Tilbury landing stage under an agreement with Thurrock Council and on the other side of the river to Town Pier, which is owned by Gravesham council and uses a pontoon developed in partnership with Gravesham and KCC.

KCC’s Head of Public Transport Phil Lightowler said: “We’re delighted to be working with Jet Stream Tours.

“We believe they will provide a first class service that will benefit the hundreds of passengers that make the trip from Gravesend to Thurrock and back each day.”

Thurrock Council Portfolio Holder for Transport and Highways Cllr Brian Little said: “We are very pleased to be working with Jet Stream Tours and look forward to a great service for Thurrock’s residents.”