City buys up Old Montreal horse buggy permits to improve service

Fewer horse-drawn carriages are plodding down the cobblestone streets of Old Montreal as the city buys back permits from dozens of drivers in an effort to improve the service.

For years, tourists and romantics have jumped into decorated carriages for tours of Montreal's historic districts.

Once decorated in flowers and rich fabrics, the carriages, known in French as calches, began to lose their charm in recent years. Customers complained to the city aboutuninformed tour guides and unhealthy horses.

"The drivers were sullen and uninformed. The calches were decrepit," said Alan DeSousa,the city councillor in charge of the issue. "People felt it was an attractive part of Old Montreal that was degrading."

DeSousa said the city met with carriage owners and together they decided to reduce the number of carriage permits. Two years ago, 47 people held permits.

"With that many calches seeking too few customers, there just wasn't enough money going around," said DeSousa.

Each permit costs $25,000

The city has been buying back permits each time one becomes availablebecause ofa driver retiring or wanting to leave the industry.

At a cost of $25,000 a permit, the city has spent an estimated $500,000 so far on its buy-back program.DeSousa said it is money well spent.

"We felt that it was important to strengthen the industry," saidDeSousa.

Fewer carriages on the roads will mean more business for the drivers who remain, he said.

"By taking the permits out of the market, it allows the existing drivers to earn a better wage and plow some money back into making sure the calche is nice and bright and sparkly ... and to make sure the horses are properly stabled," DeSousa said.

While he admits some drivers are unhappy with the changes to the industry, DeSousa said the public has responded well. He said the city rarely gets complaints from calche customers anymore.

He said the goal is to reduce the number of carriages down to 20.

A carriage ride through Old Montreal lasts 30 to 45 minutes and costs up to $75.