"Water Buses" On The River Thames - The first of the new Thames "Water-Buses" takes a party of M.P.'s for a trip an the river, after their inspection of the craft at Westminster Pier. In the photograph Country Hall can bee seen in the background. Following a report of a committee appointed by the Minister of Transport, the Rt.Hon.Alfred Barnes, M.P. to examine the possibilities of the experimental operation of regular passenger services on the River Thames, a service of "Water-Buses" will be inaugurated in the early summer. The boats to be used were originally constructed for use on the Thames as pleasure craft. Each is 66 ft. long with a 15 ft. beam, and can carry 150 to 170 passengers, most of them under cover. The boats are powered with diesel engines and are capable of a speed of 10? knots. February 25, 1948. (Photo by Fox Photos).