News - City Officials Criticize Viral Stunt of Horses Boarding a Detroit Bus

In a bizarre twist of events, two horses made their way onto a public bus in Detroit, drawing wide public attention and igniting an unexpected debate about urban transport policies. This unusual spectacle occurred at 7 Mile and Strasburg Street last weekend and was captured on camera by passerby Ellessia Drew, who expressed her bewilderment and concern for the bus passengers. The video, which quickly went viral, begins with two handlers guiding the horses toward the Detroit Department of Transportation (DDOT) bus as its front ramp was lowered. Despite initial hesitation from one of the horses, it eventually followed the prompt, joining its companion in a brief stroll through the bus's aisle and exiting through the rear door moments later. This stunt, orchestrated by the Urban City Cowboys, was part of a spontaneous attempt to raise awareness about their presence in the city. Co-founder Jordan Williams initiated the horseback ride after attending a community fundraiser where children enjoyed pony rides. In light-hearted jest, Williams explained to local media that his intention was not to disrupt but rather showcase that cowboys with diverse backgrounds exist within urban settings. Despite the lighthearted nature of the stunt, the DDOT issued a statement condemning the action for potentially compromising passenger safety and deviating from standard policy, which generally only accommodates service animals. Since service animals are required to remain under control and out of passenger seats, the department highlighted the impracticality of having horses aboard public transport. Williams, who has reportedly taken his horses on various bus routes over the years, defended his actions by asserting they were meant to foster positivity and draw attention to Detroit’s urban equestrian presence. He expressed hope that city authorities would view the incident as a light-hearted jest and encourage community engagement by possibly attending a rodeo event. The incident serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between innovative community engagement and public safety regulations, as Detroit navigates its growing identity as a diverse and spirited city.