https://consultations.tfl.gov.uk/roads/river-crossings

Looking at the options for East London crossings, I am surprised by the
costs. Even hundreds of millions of pounds to replace the Woolwich Ferry
in situ with new floating stock.

Suppose TfL wanted to extend the EL1 bus so that it linked Ilford and
Barking to Bexleyheath. Linton Mead in Thamesmead provides access to the
river bank, and access could easily be achieved on the other side.

Two options spring to mind.

The London Duck carries tourists on land and on the Thames. Why could an
amphibious vehicle not run a regular bus route across here? (I'm
guessing the answer might have the word "wheelchair" in it somewhere.)

Why could a private chain ferry not be installed here, to be used only
by the EL1 bus? The buses would have a control box on the dashboard...
push a button to open the electronic gate, drive onto the ferry, look up
and down the river to check it's clear and then push another button to
shoot across the river and drive out, allowing another bus to come back.
Obviously the drivers would have to be given extra safety training and
would be dedicated to this route.

Neither option is as cheap as a normal bus route, but wouldn't half a
dozen such bus crossings between Charlton and Belvedere work out cheaper
than TfL's proposals?