On Becoming Informed About Mule-Drawn Carriages

By Jocelyn Connelly

In a quest for all of us to become better informed about what is and isn't allowed regarding mule-drawn carriages, last month I wrote a letter to Jesse Bridges of the Taxicab Bureau requesting the rules and regulations governing their operations (see below). Hopefully by our next newsletter I'll have a response to share with you. In the meantime a city ordinance is now in effect requiring mules to wear "diapers." So if you see any mules without their diapers, you are asked to call Jesse Bridges on his cell phone at 416-1292. Police horses are exempt from this ruling. Also, if you see anything that concerns you regarding ground transportation, please call me.

City of New Orleans Taxicab Bureau February 7, 2003
Attn: Mr. Jesse Bridges
1300 Perdido Street, Room 2W89
New Orleans, LA 70112

Gentlemen:
Our membership has noted an increase in the number of mule-driven carriages in the French Quarter. Now, we are seeing three carriages at a time going down the streets instead of the usual one. While we enjoy the ambiance of the carriages the increase in their numbers affects traffic and more importantly the cleanliness of the quarter.

We understand that the carriages are under your department's jurisdiction and we would like a copy of the rules and regulations in order to share the information with our membership. The more informed our members are the more they can contribute to making the French Quarter a better place for all.

Thank you for your cooperation. If you need additional information, please contact me at 257-3805.

Jocelyn Connelly
Ground Transportation Chairman