City's water taxis return after four-month absence

Water taxis have returned to Leeds after a new company took over their operation.

The previous operator of the distinctive yellow boats, which run between Granary Wharf and Leeds Dock, went into administration at the end of 2025 and the taxis ceased operations.

The service has been taken over by Department, an office and workspace provider that operates sites at Leeds Dock and in Manchester.

The firm reintroduced the service on Bank Holiday Monday and offered free trips initially to attract people back to the water. Trips will be priced at £3.50 per person from 1 June.

Department said the 12-minute route, which helps link the city's rail station to the docks, was a relaxing way to see the city.

"You get to see the city from a different perspective," said Alex Webb, the firm's head of partnerships and communities.

"You get the great skippers giving you the history of Leeds and you might see a kingfisher, an otter and who knows even Keith the heron might put in an appearance."

The vessels originally came from Amsterdam and have been operating in Leeds since 2014.

One of the original skippers, Simon Tipple, said he was overjoyed to be back at the helm.

"When they were back for good I was very relieved," he said.

"They are an important part the Leeds scene now. It would have been a real shame if we lost them."

Tipple said he enjoyed the social side of steering the boat along its route.

"I point out the history as we go past, we learn a lot of it from our customers.

"Pointing out the wildlife. Kids love it, especially the small ones, as it's just the right length of time and they don't get bored."

Webb said people had wanted to see the service return and the reaction had been "unbelievable".

"It's the most phone calls we've had for any launch we've done. People are just so excited to see it back."

The taxis operate every day between 10:00 and 18:00, except for Christmas Day.

"Our members can use them for meetings, for staff coming to work and for the people of Leeds," said Webb.

"During the winter months the water is too high to run safely so we have to do maintenance on the boats, to clean them up, but when we can run safely we always run."

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