SAN ANTONIO — The results of San Antonio's public survey on horse-drawn carriages are in, and the majority of those who answered it want the longtime attraction to depart downtown and never return.
Based on the information, the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee – which is chaired by District 9 City Councilman John Courage – unanimously voted for San Antonio city staff to develop a plan to phase out the carriages over a period of one to three years. Council member Phyllis Viagran and Jalen McKee-Rodriguez initially submitted the request for a plan to do away with the long-running downtown attraction in late 2022, citing animal cruelty and harm to the environment.
"With changes comes great challenges, but we also have a great opportunity to facilitate something new, special and memorable in our city that both relieves traffic congestion and creates a special experience that everyone can enjoy," McKee-Rodriguez said Monday.
Once the plan is complete it will be presented to City Council in a B-session meeting no later than Oct. 30. Eventually, full council scheduled a time to discuss and vote on the issue.
SAPD in June met with all five horse carriage operators in the city, each of which “expressed concern” about the proposed ban. Four of them, the city's assistant police director said, were open to operating electric carriages instead.
The survey was open from July 25 to Aug. 13. About 52% of respondents were in favor of transitioning to electric carriages or an outright ban on the horse-drawn carriages, according to results shared with Transportation Committee on Monday night. The city received more than 50,000 responses, the majority (77%) being San Antonio residents. About 22% of respondents were tourists, while less than 2% were downtown businesses.
Only 30% said they wanted to keep the carriages as is. The city has issued permits for horse-drawn carriages since 1865, and 81 drivers are currently allowed to hold the reins.
"How do we make sure we not leave behind the folks that have gotten us here, but that we’re creating a San Antonio all of us can enjoy? I truly do believe that all includes the animals that live in our community," said Councilwoman Sukh Kaur.
Councilwoman Melissa Cabello Havrda said she would like to see a shorter phase-out plan. Courage, meanwhile, called it an “unreasonable expectation” to ask carriage operators to make plans to close their businesses in as little as a year.
According to presentation materials from staff, electric carriages would cost about $20,000 each. Were the ban to be approved, current carriage drivers could receive help to transition to a different tour guide role, or a different occupation altogether via the city's Ready to Work program.