Opinions Wanted: San Antonio Seeks Feedback on Horse-Drawn Carriages

The City of San Antonio is currently conducting a survey to gather feedback from residents, tourists, and business owners regarding their opinions on horse-drawn carriages operating downtown. This issue has been a point of contention for several years, with debates and discussions surrounding the ethics and practicality of allowing these traditional modes of transportation in a modern urban setting.

In 2022, two city council members, Jalen Mckee-Rodriguez and Phyllis Viagran, proposed a ban on horse-drawn carriages in San Antonio. However, the proposal did not gain much traction until recently. In April 2024, the council’s Governance Committee unanimously voted to send a proposal to halt horse-drawn carriages to the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee for further consideration.

Councilmember Mckee-Rodriguez expressed concerns about the presence of horse-drawn carriages in downtown San Antonio, stating that they do not belong on city streets. The Transportation & Infrastructure Committee subsequently voted unanimously to have city staff develop a plan to phase out the carriages, with the intention of presenting it at an upcoming meeting in August.

Interestingly, Councilwoman Viagran, who initially supported the ban, has since changed her stance on the issue. In a written statement to the Transportation & Infrastructure Committee, she expressed a willingness to work with the carriage operators to find alternative solutions that would allow them to continue operating in downtown San Antonio. Viagran emphasized the importance of supporting small, minority-owned businesses and ensuring that the workers and horses involved in the carriage industry are taken care of.

Currently, there are five companies licensed to operate horse-drawn carriages in San Antonio, with each company permitted to have five carriages operating within two miles of City Hall. Stephanie Garcia, the owner of two of these companies, expressed a desire for the city to engage with the operators and consider their perspectives before making any decisions. She highlighted the need for open dialogue and collaboration between the city and the carriage operators to find a mutually beneficial solution.

San Antonio is not the only city in Texas grappling with the issue of horse-drawn carriages. Dallas is also considering a ban on these traditional forms of transportation, with a proposed ban already sent to the full council for review. The survey initiated by the City of San Antonio aims to gather input from the community on whether horse-drawn carriages should be banned, providing an opportunity for residents to voice their opinions on the matter.

In conclusion, the debate over horse-drawn carriages in San Antonio reflects a broader conversation about balancing tradition with modernity, animal welfare, and economic considerations. The city’s survey will play a crucial role in shaping the future of horse-drawn carriages in downtown San Antonio, and it is essential for all stakeholders to participate in the discussion to ensure a fair and informed decision-making process.