Cartagena's Horse Carriages Go Electric: A New Era for Tourism

A Major Shift for a Historic City

Cartagena, Colombia, a city known for its stunning Caribbean beaches and rich history, is making a significant change. The city is replacing its traditional horse-drawn carriages with electric vehicles.

This decision follows years of advocacy from animal rights activists who have raised concerns about the well-being of the horses.

The New Electric Carriages

The city's mayor, Domek Turbay, introduced the first 30 electric carriages. These modern vehicles resemble the old horse carriages but run on batteries and feature steering wheels instead of reins.

Mayor Turbay stated that this change is long overdue, as many locals and tourists have opposed the use of horses for buggy rides.

Why the Change?

Cartagena is a popular tourist destination, famous for its beaches and historic sites. Horse carriages have long been part of the city's charm. However, activists argue that the horses suffer from the hot weather and busy streets, conditions they believe are unsuitable for working animals.

The city plans to introduce 62 electric carriages in total, all made in China specifically for Cartagena. Additionally, a warehouse with a solar plant is being built to charge the vehicles, making Cartagena the first major tourist destination to replace horse carriages with electric ones.

Controversy and Challenges

Not everyone supports this change. Horse carriage owners claim they have already improved conditions for the horses and want the city to compensate them for their losses. Some owners have even threatened to go on a hunger strike.

The city has stated it wants to hire carriage drivers for the new electric vehicles, but there is no clear plan for the carriage owners. Mayor Turbay has accused them of making negotiations difficult.

A Balance Between Tradition and Modernity

This shift highlights how cities are trying to balance tradition with modern concerns. It also raises important questions about supporting those whose livelihoods are affected by such changes.