The permit system for horse-drawn carriages, rental cars, and bike carriages in Bruges is set to expire at the end of this year. The city must open the new concession to all interested parties following European regulations. This change, discussed in the Bruges municipal council on 26 May 2025 at 15:09:00, has sparked concern among long-standing operators who fear losing their businesses.
- Brugge opent concessies voor paardentram en koetsen
- Europa eist transparante marktbevragingsprocedure
- Huidige vergunningen verlopen eind dit jaar
- Exploitanten vrezen verlies van exploitatie
- Nieuwe concessies gelden tot 2035
- Strenge dierenwelzijnsregels bepalen kandidatenselectie
Currently, 13 permits for rental carriages, three for rental trams, three for rental cars, and six for rental bikes will be up for renewal until 2035. However, the boat permits on the canals remain valid until 2027. How will this shift to a transparent market consultation impact the traditional operators who have run their businesses for decades? And will newcomers be able to meet the strict criteria, especially regarding animal welfare?
This new approach raises important questions about fairness and sustainability. Will established operators be sidelined by fresh competitors? Can the city balance tradition with transparency? Key points include:
- European law mandates open market consultations for limited permits every ten years.
- Operators must meet objective criteria, including strict animal welfare standards.
- Long-standing businesses may lose concessions, causing staff and economic uncertainty.
- Newcomers face challenges but could bring innovation and ecological benefits.
As Bruges prepares to launch the concession process by early June, all stakeholders should engage actively and prepare their applications. Will the city maintain its charm while embracing change? Only time will tell, but transparency and fairness must guide the way forward.
