Water way to travel to and from the office

The Amsterdam-style service 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, 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 on to 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.

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.”