Leeds Dock: Future of beloved Leeds water taxis confirmed as service set to resume

Residents were left puzzled as the two distinctive yellow boats, which navigate between Leeds Dock and Granary Wharf, have been out of operation this month.

The service was owned by Leaseco 23 Ltd, which went into administration on December 17. Two administrators were appointed to oversee the operation and management of ground-floor commercial units at the development, and questions were raised over the future of the city’s unique taxi service.

But Allied London, the developers behind Leeds Dock, have now confirmed the boats will resume their journeys “very shortly”.

A spokesperson told the Yorkshire Evening Post that a process was ongoing to transfer the operating licence from Leasco 23 to another company active and trading in Leeds Dock.

“The service will be resurrected as soon as we’ve done that”, they said.

The water taxis operate on a reduced service in the winter months, and this is expected to resume as normal in around a week, with both water taxis in operation once again.

The service was officially commissioned by Allied London in August 2014, following a highly successful trial during the Leeds Waterfront Festival.

It was designed to solve a last-mile connectivity issue, making the walk from Leeds Station to the Royal Armouries much more enjoyable.

The two 12-seater vessels, named Twee and Drie (Dutch for two and three), were originally part of Amsterdam’s famous canal network. They were shipped to West Yorkshire specifically to bridge the gap between the city’s transport hub and the developing waterfront.

Over the years, the boats have survived floods, a pandemic, and the general wear and tear of the River Aire.

The announcement is set to be welcome news for the area, as Leeds Dock is set to host the UK Real Estate Investment and Infrastructure Forum (UKREiiF) from May 19-21.

For many visiting investors, the 15-minute journey on the iconic yellow boats is their first impression of the city’s regeneration. The service is often increased during the forum, with boats running as frequently as every 12 minutes to handle the demand.

Are you a frequent user of the Leeds Dock water taxi service, and are you happy that they are set to continue throughout 2026? Share your thoughts by emailing the writer of this article.