Leeds river taxi service becomes permanent

[Robbo]

From Yorkshire Evening Post.

http://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/news/latest-news/top-stories/leeds-river-taxi-service-becomes-permanent-1-6790455

 

A free water taxi scheme that could eventually see commuters in Leeds catching the boat to work has been made permanent.

The Amsterdam-style service – trialled at the recent Leeds Waterfront Festival – takes passengers from Leeds Dock to Granary Wharf and back.

While currently operating on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays only, the taxis could become a daily fixture running 7am-7pm.

Simon Tipple, who drives one of the boats, which take about seven minutes to cover the route, said: “The south entrance to the railway station is opening soon. Once that happens you’ll be able to get straight off the train and onto the water taxi.

“It’s quicker than walking, it’s quicker than being in the car.There’s a lot of flats, a lot of commuters in the dock area.”

The boats, which can carry up to 11 passengers, are being paid for by Allied London, the company that owns Leeds Dock – formerly Clarence Dock.

Bosses hope they will increase the profile of a part of the city that has struggled to attract visitors.

Project co-ordinator Lucy Whalley said: We understand how important it is to have a quick and easy way for people to be transported across the city and are confident that this will quickly become the way to travel in the city.”

Stuart Haydock, 66, took his grandson Oscar, six, for a ride yesterday. He said: “You see a bit of the city that you don’t normally see. I’ve driven over the Crown Point bridge and you don’t realise how beautiful the city is until you see it from a different perspective.”

Fellow passenger Peter Pickering, who was with grandson Leo Un, said: “I think it’s a really great idea and the fact that it’s free is absolutely fabulous.”

[nigel carton]

I will report back this coming week, I'm down for a few shifts on one of the taxis. ( and on the trip boat) going for my boatmasters tier 2 ;-)

[DeanS]

From Yorkshire Evening Post.

http://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/news/latest-news/top-stories/leeds-river-taxi-service-becomes-permanent-1-6790455

 

If it's free, I think it'll attract a lot of tourists...and hopefully Clarence Dock will get some restaurants, music, street performers etc. (and more VMs)

[Grace and Favour]

I'm using the taxi service this evening to attend the Slung Low Theatre performance in Clarence Dock this evening!

 

(Beautiful weather for open air theatre tonight!)

[Robbo]

 

If it's free, I think it'll attract a lot of tourists...and hopefully Clarence Dock will get some restaurants, music, street performers etc. (and more VMs)

 

Don't think it will be possible to add any more VM's to the Dock itself. The bottom dock that was the commercial area I believe is now controlled by Allied London. I believe the leisure moorings are now full.

[leeco]

I'm using the taxi service this evening to attend the Slung Low Theatre performance in Clarence Dock this evening!

 

(Beautiful weather for open air theatre tonight!)

I seen your boat yesterday near that round tower.