Lockdown hurting Vienna's horse carriage drivers

(30 Apr 2020) LEAD IN:
Vienna's famous horse carriage drivers are asking for donations, as they struggle to make ends meet during Austria's lockdown to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Colloquially known as Fiaker, the drivers' income has all but dried up as lockdown keeps tourists away from the capital.

STORY-LINE:
Werner Kaizar and a colleague have brought two of their horses to Vienna's Michaeler Square.
It's here dozens of horse-drawn carriages usually pickup tourists to ferry them around the city's historic centre, but - due to the country's lockdown - there are no expectant passengers today.
There haven't been for weeks.
The drivers say this lack of income means they're struggling to pay for the upkeep of their horses.
They fear that without donations, the Fiaker - derived from the French word "fiacre", which means "carriage" - and their horses may not survive.
"The Fiaker would definitely not survive. And we're not talking about months, but days or maybe a few weeks," says Kaizar.
"And that's why are standing here today because it's our last chance and our last hope that we Austrians and Viennese stand together to do something for our tradition and horses."
For now, horses stay here at their stables. The famous carriages remain covered by canvas.
Most carriages used by Vienna's Fiaker date back to the late 19th century and have to be restored every couple of years for between 5,000 and 6,000 euros.
Because the Fiaker are not a government institution, they have not been receiving taxpayer-funded support to help them through the pandemic.
Authorities in Vienna have promised to support the Fiaker with money for horse food.
But drivers fear that won't be enough. And tourists may not return to Vienna until the end of the year.
"Our fear is that tourism will only return – if at all – next year. A lot of businesses are connected to the Fiaker," says Kaizar.
"This also causes difficulties for farmers. It concerns stable hands, coach drivers, vets, up to 1,000 jobs are connected to the Fiaker business in Vienna. Until a recovery is in sight, we fear this will only happen next year."
For now, the drivers have set up a special bank account, where supporters can donate money. Not only Austrians, but also Swiss and Germans have sent donations.
"Even people from Germany and Switzerland have contacted us. Even if it's a five-euro donation, every cent goes directly to the horses," says Kaizar.
Austrian officials said Tuesday (28 April) that the rate of coronavirus infections had steadied, and it could soon enter a phase of relaxing lockdown measures.
Health Minister Rudolf Anschober said the country would begin winding down restrictions from May 1 through the end of June.
Tourism minister Elisabeth Koestinger said restaurants would reopen on May 15, but there will still be restrictions, including shortened business hours and no more than four adults at one table and a minimum of one metre between tables.

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