A new timetable for the Thames Clipper service has been unveiled meaning commuters will be able to travel by riverbus from Putney to Blackfriars in just 37 minutes.

The boat operator’s high-speed catamarans will take over the route on Tuesday April 2 and the total number of services on the daily route will rise from seven to 23.

Council transport spokesman Councillor Russell King described the announcement as a "huge leap forward" for London river transport.

He said: "A 37 minute journey into Blackfriars will make this a viable, convenient commuter option for many people.

"Travelling by river is a fantastic way to get across the city and this higher capacity service will help take some of the pressure of our overcrowded trains, tubes and buses."

Every weekday morning seven boats will depart Putney Pier and head east into the city centre between 6.30am and 9.30am.

Another four eastbound services run every weekday evening between 5.15pm and 7.15pm.

On weekday morning seven boats will run in the opposite direction, departing Blackfriars Pier between 6.30am and 9.10am.

There will also be five west bound weekday evening services between 4.35pm and 7.15pm.

After departing Putney they will stop at Wandsworth Riverside Quarter, Chelsea Harbour, Cadogan, Embankment and Blackfriars Piers.

New piers are also set to be added to the route at Plantation Wharf and, in a few years, outside Battersea Power Station.

For more information visit www.wandsworth.gov.uk/travelchoices.