The River Thames has historically been London's lifeblood - its main artery for trade and commerce. In recent decades a dramatic shift in use has occurred along the river edge: from industry to office, from dockland cranes to tourist attractions. Consequently, the effectiveness of the Thames as the city's functional artery has declined.

The existing river bus service has the potential to revitalize the Thames as a vital public transportation corridor. This has yet to be realized due to a lack of direct access to the river bus piers from within the city. The locations of the piers are not easily comprehended from within the city, and their relationships to other modes of public transportation are often unclear and convoluted.

Blackfriars train station is a strategically important interchange with a significant opportunity for enhanced connectivity between the river and the city's land-based transportation infrastructure. The station has interchange connections to the mainline rail links to Luton and Gatwick Airports, District and Circle lines, good bus connections, and a station exit to the south bank.

The concept proposes to alleviate the congested Jubilee Line from London Bridge to Canary Wharf by increasing the effectiveness of the river bus service in four ways. 1) Provide a more legible and comfortable pedestrian environment at the station with direct access to taxis, buses, bikes, the river walk, and the river bus pier. 2) Create distinctive, memorable river bus pier architecture. 3) Provide integrated signage and real-time service information for rail, river bus, tube, and bus. 4) Create an enhanced public realm with southern aspects and views across the Thames.