'Iconic' water taxis offering a 'new adventure' as the Leeds institution returns to the city's waters

The return of Twee and Drie to Leeds waters could not have been timed more perfectly.

The two yellow water taxis, brought over to West Yorkshire from Amsterdam 10 years ago, are now once again ferrying folk between Granary Wharf by the train station and catching the eyes of onlookers.

Having been out of commission since the winter, they were brought back into action on bank holiday Monday this week as the country marked its hottest ever May day.

We went down the following day, when the record was beaten a second time, to take a trip along the River Aire and speak to the passengers and those who are now tasked with keeping this Leeds institution alive.

The water taxis service has been taken over by Department, an office and workspace provider that operates sites in Leeds and Manchester. Alex Webb, the company’s head of culture, events and activity, explained that they were purchased from Leeds Dock after they were taken out of service at the start of the year.

The original Dutch water taxis date back to 1978 and were first bought by Leeds Dock as a marketing tool. They are currently free to use for visitors to the city centre, though it will be £3.50 per person from next week onwards.

Mr Webb said: “People can expect a great journey through Leeds city centre. We’ve got great skippers who know their history and can give you some sightseeing tours.”

After jumping on by the Royal Armouries, our skipper Peter Forrest gave us a quick health and safety run through, reminding us to stay in the boats, before we took off with the sun at its zenith.

The 12-minute journey takes you through the belly of Leeds and is a relaxing and eye-opening affair, especially with the weather like it was.

Peter is one of three skippers taken on by Department, and said that he has been working on boats for over 30 years, saying: “This is something new. A new boat and a new adventure.

“I’m still learning the history properly but it’s a beautiful stretch.”

Along the route you can take in some of the key landmarks, admire some striking street art and wave at those gathered on the bridges and by the banks who have noticed the distinctive boats, which some have noted bear a resemblance to Del Boy’s Reliant Regal.

There’s also plenty of wildlife to admire, with ‘Keith the heron’ an occasional visitor.

Enjoying her trip was Natalie Auty, who jumped on after arriving from Wakefield on the train having never heard of them before. She said: “It’s lovely. It’s really nice. The weather’s great and the swans are around.”

Fellow traveller Matt Ogden, who climbed aboard after arriving from the Lake District, said: "It was a really fun ride. A short and sweet trip that was a great way to get immersed in the city as soon as you get off the train."

The taxis will also be available for private hire in the evenings from around July, with Mr Webb explaining that they will run summer cruises and will also be open for use for bespoke events like wedding and stag or hen party groups.

The water taxis will be running seven-days-a-week between 10am and 6.30pm.