Glasgow Council Eyes Pontoons, River Bus Revival (Glasgow, 2026)

Key Points

• Glasgow City Council has approved an investigation into reactivating waterfront pontoons along the River Clyde.
• The probe includes assessing the feasibility of launching a river bus service in Glasgow.
• SNP Councillor Graham Campbell advocated for river travel during the economy, housing, transport and regeneration city policy committee meeting last week.
• The Custom House Quay and Carlton Place waterfront regeneration project could enable river transport.
• A council officer confirmed a small business case study for pontoons has been sanctioned.
• Operating a river bus would require collaboration with other authorities.
• Another officer noted that increased riverfront activity would make a river bus more viable.
• The Renfrew Ferry, the last service, ended last year.
• Historically, 11 ferries operated on the Clyde in the 1850s.

Glasgow (Glasgow Express) April 29, 2026 – Glasgow City Council is investigating the restoration of waterfront pontoons, raising prospects for a potential river bus service on the River Clyde.

Why is Glasgow City Council Investigating Pontoons Now?

As reported by BBC News, Glasgow City Council is set to explore reactivating waterfront pontoons, which could pave the way for a river bus in the city. Boats carrying passengers across the water were once common, but the last service ended last year with the Renfrew Ferry’s discontinuation.

The Renfrew Ferry linked Renfrew and Yoker, serving as the closest crossing to Glasgow city centre upstream.

The push stems from ongoing waterfront regeneration efforts. A councillor linked the Custom House Quay and Carlton Place project to possible river travel revival.

Councillor Graham Campbell raised this during last week’s economy, housing, transport and regeneration city policy committee meeting.

Speaking at the meeting, SNP councillor Graham Campbell said:

“I’m very much a champion of getting us back to having a river bus, having river travel and having the river as a transit mechanism and people being able to access it again”.

He asked if Custom House Quay development would allow this and form part of considerations.

What Did Council Officers Respond to the Proposal?

A council officer stated that an investigation into a small business case for using pontoons has been approved by the council. However, operating a river bus would involve working with other authorities.

An official remarked that bringing activity and use back to the riverfront would make a river bus more viable. Another officer confirmed the pontoon investigation approval.

STV News reported that City Councillor Graham Campbell has been calling for Clyde ferries’ return for transport. In a prior December 2025 STV News article, Councillor Campbell criticised the lack of ferry mentions in the Clyde Metro bid and council transport strategy as a “significant weakness”.

He highlighted environmental benefits like cutting car journeys, improving air quality and congestion, plus cultural and touristic gains from river access.

An official in that earlier discussion said the council lacks means to advance boat transport but would discuss with potential operators.

How Does the Custom House Quay Project Fit In?

The Custom House Quay and Carlton Place project aims to regenerate the local waterfront. As detailed by Atelier Ten in 2021, the £25 million initiative will create an attractive waterfront, reconnecting the River Clyde to the city centre and reactivating the riverfront.

It includes expanding the north bank embankment outside the Grade A-listed Custom House for a waterfront area, a hotel, mixed-use plots, a new park on Carlton Place south bank, and enhanced public realm.

Custom House opened in 1840 to organise the city’s trading economy, housing officials who collected duties on imports and exports. The project, planned for 2024 completion, aligns with broader Clyde regeneration efforts.

Wikipedia confirms the Renfrew Ferry ceased on 31 May 2025, operated by Clydelink without subsidy. This closure followed historical patterns, like the 2010 Strathclyde Partnership for Transport decision to close it temporarily for savings, though trials of alternatives like amphibious buses occurred.

What is the Historical Context of River Transport on the Clyde?

The Clyde was once busy with passenger vessels, with 11 ferries operating in the 1850s. Services like the River Link or River Bus by Clyde Cruises used pontoons at Broomielaw, Pacific Quay (Glasgow Science Centre), and Braehead for centre-to-shopping transport.

Broader Clyde plans, as per a 2020 BBC article, include bridges, potential metro lines, and flood mitigation like a tidal barrage under Mission Clyde. This targets land detoxification and development from east Glasgow to Greenock and Dumbarton.

The Glasgow Bell noted the Renfrew Bridge’s construction as part of the £130m Clyde Waterfront and Renfrew Riverside scheme by GRAHAM engineers, funded by the 2014 Glasgow City Region City Deal. Renfrewshire Council leader Iain Nicolson called it a “gamechanger” for access to work, hospitals, schools, and leisure.

Background of the Development

The Custom House Quay and Carlton Place project originated as part of Glasgow’s efforts to revitalise its riverfront, with planning announcements around 2021. The Grade A-listed Custom House, built in 1840, symbolises the city’s trading past. Regeneration ties into the £1.13bn City Deal, including bridges like Renfrew and active travel links.

Councillor Campbell’s advocacy dates to at least December 2025, amid Clyde Metro discussions. The Renfrew Ferry’s 2025 closure heightened calls for alternatives. The 21 April 2026 committee meeting approved the pontoon study, reflecting incremental steps in transport policy.

Prediction: Impact on Glasgow Residents and Commuters

This development could provide Glasgow residents and commuters with an additional public transport option along the River Clyde. Restoration of pontoons might enable short-term docking for services, while a river bus could reduce road congestion by offering scenic routes between key sites like the city centre, Pacific Quay, and Braehead.

Collaboration with other authorities might integrate it into ticketing systems, easing multi-modal travel. Increased waterfront activity from Custom House Quay could boost viability through higher passenger numbers, potentially cutting car journeys and improving air quality as noted in prior discussions. For locals, it would reconnect the city to its river heritage, enhancing access to leisure, work, and tourism spots without relying solely on buses or trains. However, full implementation depends on business case outcomes and partnerships.