New Braunfels City Council took up passenger-service rules at its Sept. 30 workshop. Staff proposed an ordinance and franchise agreement for general shuttle services using public rights of way, including a possible route between downtown and Gruene.
General shuttles operate in New Braunfels, but city staff says they have no designated stops or loading zones in city rights of way. A city rule could determine where future private shuttle passengers board and how operators use curb space. The route remains a possibility discussed at the workshop, rather than an approved service.
City staff says Chapter 138 currently covers water-recreation shuttles and wants to add requirements for general shuttle routes, stops and loading zones. The Sept. 30 workshop item described passenger-service rules as a presentation and possible direction for a future ordinance.
Pedicabs and carriage permits
Staff recommended removing pedicab service provisions and described a possible alternative of rewriting the requirements. The city staff report says several people have asked about pedicab service since 2023, but no applicant completed the approval process. Staff said it had to weigh street operations and safety before choosing whether to revise the rules or remove the service category. The department's account says the existing geographic service area could conflict with other city operations.
Staff discussed permits for horse-drawn carriage services and concerns about downtown road space, loading, and animal welfare. The staff report says the city has issued no horse-drawn carriage permits. Carriage rules remain part of the same broader vehicles-for-hire discussion.
What happens next
After council direction, staff may bring back code amendments covering pedicabs, general shuttles and horse-drawn carriages for approval. The city says any fee-structure changes would be identified later. Residents and operators can inspect the city's item 26-1030 for the existing proposal and compare any future draft with the Sept. 30 discussion before a vote.
The earlier council agenda guide laid out the workshop's other subjects, including camera safeguards and parking rules. A future draft ordinance or franchise agreement would show what routes, stops, fees and approval conditions staff proposes. The Sept. 30 agenda identifies the council's listed workshop business.