San Antonio Horse-Drawn Carriage Survey Gets Overwhelming Response

Public Opinion Polls Show Strong Interest

In San Antonio, a recent city survey concerning horse-drawn carriages has sparked a significant wave of public engagement, with over 47,000 responses already logged as of Monday morning. This figure is impressive, especially when compared to the city’s previous budget priority survey, which received only a fraction of this number—around nine times fewer responses.

Survey Details and Next Steps

The survey, which opened on July 25, is set to close on Tuesday. It aims to gather public opinion as the City Council considers the possibility of banning horse-drawn carriages within the city limits. Following the survey’s closure, the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee is scheduled to discuss the potential ban on August 19, where they will review the survey results alongside recommendations from city officials.

Heated Debate on Both Sides

Discussions around the horse-drawn carriage operations have triggered passionate opinions from both sides of the argument. Advocates for the ban cite concerns regarding animal welfare and traffic safety, while supporters of the carriages argue that they’re being unfairly targeted, emphasizing their role in the city’s charm and tourism.

Survey Options Provided

The survey includes a series of questions tailored to gauge how residents believe carriage operations should proceed. Participants can choose from four options:

1. Switch to electric carriages and pedicabs while banning horse-drawn carriages completely.
2. Allow horse-drawn carriages to continue but with restricted hours and limit operations to city parks outside of downtown.
3. Maintain current operations in downtown with alternate hours and expand to areas outside downtown.
4. Keep horse-drawn carriages operating as they currently are.

Concerns Over Survey Authenticity

Despite the impressive response rate, questions have arisen about the survey’s integrity. Stephanie Garcia, a local carriage company owner, expressed skepticism about how the results might be interpreted, suggesting a possibility that the city could ignore favorable feedback if it goes against their interests. “If it’s against us and it comes out as against us, I think they would say, ‘yeah, this is the public one,’” Garcia stated.

Additionally, there are concerns about the survey being shared virally outside of San Antonio. For instance, social media influencer Jackson Galaxy emphasized participation, urging people to help decide the future of the city’s horse-drawn carriages.

Multiple Submissions and Survey Integrity

Garcia also noted that it’s relatively easy for individuals to submit multiple responses using incognito mode in web browsers, creating further questions about the reliability of the results. While city officials are trying to track responses by recording IP addresses and collector IDs, it remains a challenge to ensure each submission is unique.

Future of the Horse-Drawn Carriages

City Council member Phyllis Viagran, who originally supported a ban, has shown openness to compromise. She acknowledged that there are more conversations to be had on the topic and expressed concerns about drawing hasty conclusions based solely on the survey results. “This really should be going to the planning committee or more B-sessions before you have an answer,” she remarked.

As the survey approaches its closing deadline, the city is on the brink of making a pivotal decision that could shape the future of horse-drawn carriage operations in San Antonio, highlighting the complex interplay of local sentiment, animal rights, and city charm.