Water taxis could come to Manchester

A water taxi service could be in line for a welcome return to Manchester and Salford as city centre business leaders called for a 'reimagining of the waterways'.

The chief executive of Manchester council, Joanne Roney, described the waterways around the cities as 'key' in terms of exploring new, sustainable modes of transport and opening up walking routes.

And speaking at the MIPIM global property festival on the French Riviera, Ms Roney confirmed the town hall was 'exploring' the possible return of the once yellow boats.

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A water taxi operation is also understood to be part of the conversation for a sustainable transport plan being devised by Co-op Live, Manchester's new 23,500-seat venue which will open in April opposite the Etihad Stadium.

The venue announced on Thursday Metrolink travel would be included for free for Co-op Live ticket holders to mark the launch from April 20 to June 30. A shuttle bus service running from the Etihad campus to Piccadilly in central Manchester will also take to the roads for ticket holders, with a maximum of 10 buses per show.

Co-op Live said the bus and tram scheme was part of its commitment to sustainable travel and would be fully funded by the venue.

Manchester's bright yellow water taxis - better known by their nickname waxis - ran aground in 2018 after just two years in operation in Manchester and Salford. The Waxi boat trips launched on the Bridgewater Canal in 2016, ferrying passengers between Castlefield and the Trafford Centre, before expanding out to connect Salford Quays with Spinningfields in 2017.

A private operator of the service had secured local transport funding to build a number