(One Green Planet, July 2023)
Philadelphia’s Salute to America Independence Day Parade on July Fourth will witness the debut of the city’s first electric horseless carriage. The inaugural passengers of this groundbreaking vehicle will be City Councilmember Mark Squilla and Janet White, a dedicated activist who has long fought for the removal of horse-drawn carriages in Philadelphia in favor of their electric counterparts. The carriage’s introduction follows the recent withdrawal of the city’s last carriage company’s horses from the streets, marking a significant shift in transportation traditions.
As the director of Carriage Horse Freedom in Philadelphia, White expressed her joy and satisfaction at seeing her efforts come to fruition. She stated, “It’s been a lot of work and a lot of people involved, but it’s been a labor of love. I want to present this carriage to the city, saying we don’t need animals working for us to have a good time. This is a viable alternative.”