Discovering Leeds by Water: The Story of Leeds Water Taxis

Nestled along the scenic River Aire, Leeds Dock offers a unique way to explore the vibrant city of Leeds – through its charming water taxis. These boats not only serve as a convenient mode of transport but also provide a glimpse into the city’s rich history and diverse wildlife. Let’s dive into the fascinating journey of the Leeds Water Taxis and what makes them a beloved feature of the city. We even caught up with one of the longest-working water taxi drivers to bring you the full story.

What’s the history behind the water taxis and how long have they been running?

The story of Leeds Water Taxis began around a decade ago with a trip boat named ‘The Apollo’, an old narrowboat that cruised the waters of Leeds Dock. However, it wasn’t until 2014 that the idea of water taxis truly took off. Allied London, along with the current owners of the water taxis, saw an opportunity to address a common complaint: the distance between Leeds Dock and the railway station. With a clever plan and a lot of enthusiasm, they initiated the water taxi scheme, leveraging the back entrance near Leeds Station to connect passengers seamlessly to the Dock.

What are some of the biggest challenges that the water taxis faced throughout the years?

Like many services, the Leeds Water Taxis faced significant challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. For about 18 months, operations were restricted, and there was even a period of flooding prior to the pandemic. Despite these setbacks, the water taxis luckily managed to resume its service, initially with just one boat during the summer holidays, gradually returning to full operation.

Do you have any quirky tales you can share about your time working as a water taxi driver?

One memorable story from the early days of the water taxis that always stands out to me is when we used to have fish and chips delivered by having them tossed off Leeds Bridge into the boat. This experience to me epitomises the fun spirit and nature of the service.

Any interesting facts you can tell us about the boats?

The boats themselves have an interesting background. They were shipped over from Amsterdam’s famous canal network, and are named Twee and Drie, meaning 2 and 3 in Dutch. Passengers can even track the boats’ movements in real-time via their website, ensuring passengers never miss a ride.

How many passengers do you cruise across the river each year?

We usually tend to ferry around 120,000 passengers each year between Leeds Dock and the train station. 

What do you love most about riding the water taxis?

A trip on the water taxis is not just about getting from A to B; it can be a fascinating journey through history and nature. What’s great is educating passengers on key landmarks nearby, including Granary Wharf, which is a vibrant mixed-use space transformed from an 18th-century grain storage hub. Leeds Bridge is also a historic landmark, noted for its role in the development of modern filmmaking. It always brings a smile to my face when passengers get delighted by the diverse wildlife that is visible along the route. 

What kind of wildlife do you get?

We get quite a lot of diverse wildlife throughout the year, but the ones we spot most often are: kingfishers, swans, goosander ducks, and swallows that migrate from North Africa. There have even been sightings of peregrine falcons, water voles, and bats that roost nearby. There is also a local heron named Keith, who is a frequent visitor along the river!

What can you tell me about the aquatic ecosystem along the River Aire?

The River Aire is home to a rich aquatic ecosystem. Anglers and nature lovers can find species such as brown trout, grayling, chub, and barbel. There are also efforts currently underway to reintroduce salmon to the river, adding to the already diverse aquatic life.

Leeds Water Taxis are more than just a means of transport; they are a vibrant part of the city’s identity, offering a unique way to experience Leeds. From historical landmarks and amusing anecdotes to diverse wildlife and scenic views, a ride on these charming water taxis is an adventure in itself. For just £3, with the convenience of contactless payment, you can hop on a water taxi and discover the city from a whole new perspective.