Rome plans end of last horse-drawn carriages: city seeks sponsors for switch to taxi licenses

Heat restrictions already in effect

Specifically, the operation of the carriages is prohibited above 30 degrees. Otherwise, rides are only allowed in the early morning hours and in the evening. The city of Rome justifies these restrictions with animal welfare. Several animal welfare organizations have already signaled that they would support an end to the use of horses for the carriages.

Back in 2009, Rome had launched a program intended to enable carriage drivers to switch to taxi licenses. However, this offer was accepted by only a few drivers. Now the city administration wants to make a new attempt and is seeking sponsors to financially secure the transition of the remaining fiacres.

Resistance among the carriage drivers

The plans are meeting resistance from those affected. The association of Roman "Botticelle" owners rejected accusations that the horses suffered from city traffic and the heat. "Nessuno si prende cura dei cavalli meglio dei vetturini," the association said. Some carriage drivers reportedly do not want to give up their carriages.

The debate over the "Botticelle" is not new. Critics see the carriages as an outdated relic of a past era that is no longer compatible with animal welfare. Supporters, on the other hand, emphasize the tourist and cultural value of the rides, which are mainly used by visitors to Rome.

Outcome uncertain: search for sponsors underway

It is still unclear exactly when the last carriages are to disappear from the cityscape. The administration signaled, however, that negotiations with the carriage drivers are entering a decisive phase. Should the operators not agree to the exit program, comprehensive police checks of existing rides are threatened.

With this move, Rome could end one of the city's oldest tourist traditions. Observers see the step as part of a broader strategy to strengthen animal welfare in the capital. The remaining 16 rigs are at the center of the political dispute.

The discussion is reminiscent of similar debates in other European cities, where animal and climate protection increasingly conflict with long-standing tourist offerings. In Rome, the decision is now being made at a time when the number of animals used in tourism has already declined sharply anyway.