Baja California Governor Marina del Pilar Ávila Olmeda delivered ten electric calandrias (carriages)—each with a capacity for 4 people—to licensed drivers in Ensenada, ensuring their economic livelihood while preserving the essence of their trade. This initiative is part of her commitment to advancing sustainable mobility that protects animals and the environment.
The governor acknowledged that carriage drivers perform a noble and culturally significant trade, which is part of Ensenada’s tourism development. She also recognized their willingness to adopt a tourist transportation model free from animal cruelty, one that promotes well-being and strengthens the city’s identity.

“We must continue pushing this project so that Ensenada becomes filled with electric calandrias, allowing tourists to keep enjoying this beautiful city. This is how transformation happens, by putting people at the center and working together to find the best solutions. Today is a historic day because we will no longer see horses pulling carriages,” she stated.
These vehicles were purchased through the Investment Subsidies Program of the state’s Department of Economy and Innovation, with an allocated fund of 2,750,000 pesos. Additionally, charging stations are being installed at strategic points across the city to continue offering this service in the Pearl of the Pacific.

“I want to thank you for your willingness to embrace this shift toward sustainable mobility, alongside a reform that protects animals as sentient beings. By delivering these carriages, we continue to safeguard Ensenada’s history and culture through sustainable electric mobility. My recognition goes to all the families who have made a living from this noble trade,” the governor said.
The head of Baja California’s Institute of Sustainable Mobility (IMOS), Jorge Gutiérrez Topete, emphasized that the transition to electric calandrias marks the culmination of efforts initiated with permit holders following reforms to the Baja California Mobility Law and the State Animal Protection Law—both pushed by Governor Marina del Pilar to prohibit the use of animals for pulling tourist transport vehicles.

He added that this measure represents a significant step toward electric mobility, enhancing tourism options for visitors in Ensenada, where IMOS issued 17 permits to operate calandrias.
Jenny de la Cruz Velazco, a calandria sales representative, stated that the transition to electric carriages modernizes this tourist service while preserving the tradition of this transportation method for visitors, allowing them to discover Ensenada’s historical attractions.

“Calandrias have made history in Ensenada for nearly 40 years thanks to the pioneer of this tourist ride tradition, Demetrio Martínez. Many thanks to Governor Marina del Pilar for facilitating the conditions that allow us to resume this service today,” she concluded.
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