Grand Rapids, MI, (WZZM) - It's never been cheaper to take a horse drawn carriage ride in downtown Grand Rapids.
Brian Simmons of Romance Horse Carriage is offering passengers free rides. "They can't believe it's free," says Simmons
Simmons began offering the free rides 3 weeks ago. Now, instead of standing and waiting for customers to pay the $40.00 fare, he and his horse are busy.
"A nice surprise for us tonight," says Autumn Brown who took 4 children for a ride.
"It looked like a lot of fun," says Kelli Dykstra, who took a ride with her friend Becky Sischo. "And it's free." Although he doesn't charge a fare, Simmons says tips are encouraged and appreciated.
They help pay expenses. "People have been tipping decent tips so I'd rather do this than nothing," he says. "I was taught by my dad to do what you got to do and it's coming pretty good."
Simmons says the free ride is a little shorter than the regular route.
Some customers still pay the fare on special occasions like anniversaries or for marriage proposals, but he says right now most passengers want the free mini tour.
"They wouldn't go for a ride if they had to pay $40.00 for a half hour," he says. "They normally don't get to do this. The kids love it."
Simmons and his horse and carriage are at the corner of Pearl and Monroe Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights and Sunday afternoons. His phone number is 616-581-2557.
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