The horse and carriage industry in New York City is facing competition from pedicab drivers who allegedly use deceptive practices to lure tourists away from traditional carriage rides, claiming to offer both services when they are not connected. This has led to calls for intervention from the de Blasio administration, despite the industry’s previous conflicts with City Hall. The issue centers around pedicab drivers falsely advertising horse carriage rides and misleading customers about pricing and park regulations, alongside using illegal motors on their bikes. Following complaints, the Consumer Affairs Department conducted enforcement actions, resulting in a temporary increase in business for carriage drivers and 15 summonses being issued for various infractions.
Leaders of the horse-carriage industry have lobbied for stricter enforcement of regulations governing pedicabs, including the requirement to post rates clearly and prohibitions on motorized assistance, seeking a level playing field rather than opposing the presence of pedicabs. On the other hand, representatives and some drivers from the pedicab industry acknowledge the issue of misleading customers but also highlight harassment from carriage drivers and emphasize their compliance with directing tourists to their preferred mode of transportation. The situation has led to ongoing tension between the two groups, with city officials and the Consumer Affairs Department taking steps to address the deceptive practices and enforce existing laws.
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