The electric carriage has come to Brussels, making it the first European city to offer this type of transport to tourists. Having banned horse-drawn carriages due to concerns about animal welfare, historic tours of the city centre can now be undertaken by the electric contraptions instead.
Thibault Danthine operated classic horse-drawn tourist carriage services in Brussels until 2022, but ceased activities due to a lack of staff and heavy criticism for using horses for commercial purposes in the city. Danthine has therefore launched an electric carriage; the idea has been met with great enthusiasm.
"The carriages are back, with an exclusive addition!" City of Brussels' Deputy Mayor Fabian Maingain (DéFI) posted on X (formerly Twitter). "Respect for tradition and 100% electric [...] An important addition to the Brussels tourist offering."
Les calèches sont de retour avec une exclusivité ! Respect de la tradition, 100% électriques, une innovation mondiale qui remplace l’ancienne calèche tirée par des chevaux. Une offre importante dans le package touristique de Bruxelles. 🤝 Thibault Danthine pic.twitter.com/Oxl4F0yL0A
— Fabian Maingain (@FabianMaingain) June 6, 2024
Translation: The carriages are back, with an exclusive addition! Respect for tradition, 100% electric and a global innovation that replaces the old horse-drawn carriage. An important addition to the Brussels tourist offering."
Electric carriages are not a new invention but this is the first time they are being used for touristic purposes, Belga News Agency reports.
The City of Brussels hopes the initiative will attract 15,000 tourists a year. Customers will be able to choose from a variety of routes starting from Grand Place; tours will cost €70 per group.
Three carriages will operate in Brussels. The first was inaugurated on Thursday, the second will begin touring in summer and the third is expected later this year.
