San Antonio City Council Meeting - June 2, 2026

The City Council met on June 2, 2026, to discuss real-time train notification systems, a transition of the horse-drawn carriage industry to electric vehicles, and updates to limousine, pedicab, and taxi regulations. The meeting began with approval of minutes, followed by public comments and a series of staff presentations.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes: The council approved the minutes from the previous meeting via motion, which passed unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Armartinez Guevara (representing Yellow Rose, Blue Bonnet, and Lalipop carriage companies) requested an extension of the deadline for the law passed during the holidays, citing implementation challenges, delays in route changes, and a need for more time to pilot programs. He also urged that all policies apply equally to the horses.
• Andrés Hernández (President of the CGA Transport Committee of San Antonio) stated he does not support the staff recommendation attached to the document regarding the limousine industry (Chapter 33). He asked the council to consider the recommendations provided to them, including the proposed change, and expressed doubt about the current approach.

Discussion Items

• Real-Time Train Notification System: Councilmember Jalen Mackie Rodriguez introduced a request to create a real-time notification system for trains, especially at railroad crossings. Staff reported progress since February 2026, including partnerships with Waymo (Houston), SWRI (local), and other technology providers. The system would predict train presence and speed, and potentially provide public information via city websites or apps like Apple Maps and Google Maps. The pilot program cost was discussed, and council members expressed support for moving quickly and collaboratively. Concerns were raised about evaluating public impact, acoustic issues in quiet zones, and integration with navigation apps. It was agreed to bring the proposal back to the committee for final review before any pilot.
• Police Department Recommendations on Limousines, Carriages, Pedicabs, and Taxis: Assistant Director Rick Riley (San Antonio Police Department) presented recommended changes to Chapter 33. Key points:
  • Limousine Service: Expand definition to include limo buses and vans, rename to "luxury vehicle service" to reflect industry trends.
  • Horse-Drawn Carriage Transition: Phase out by 2030 per December 5, 2024 council decision. Currently 25 permits across 5 companies owned by 3 owners. Staff recommends authorizing 21 new electric vehicles (7 per owner) to be exchanged for horse-drawn permits over time. Insurance requirements would be adjusted: remove $1 million property damage requirement, maintain commercial insurance with $200,000 for personal injury.
  • Pedicabs: Updates for shared bicycles and taxis, noting a cap of 15 and three companies. Out-of-town operators from Austin and Houston cannot obtain permits for large events.
  • Taxi Permits: Discussion on permit limits and availability; staff noted only 4 taxi companies currently active, and the need to revisit historical studies that set permit numbers. Council members voiced support for the limousine and carriage recommendations, though some questioned the speed difference between horse carriages (3 mph) and electric carriages (20 mph) and their traffic impact. Councilmember Spears expressed concern about removing horse carriages without adequate transition support and asked about financial assistance for electric carriage purchases. Others emphasized fairness to existing owners and the need for a phased approach. A council member noted that electric carriages could be ordered within 3-6 months at a cost of approximately $20,000. There was a request to provide business plan guidance and financial support.

Key Outcomes

• Motion to Move Item to B Session: A motion was made and seconded to send the carriage/limousine/pedicab/taxi recommendations to the next B session for further discussion. The motion passed with a vote of 3 in favor and 1 opposed. The meeting adjourned at 3:16 PM.
• Train Notification System: Staff will return to the committee at the end of the calendar year with a final review before any pilot implementation.