New San Antonio River Walk Barges Are Coming Sunday

Remember the long, drawn-out battle in City Council (and the mayor’s race) over which company would get $100 million dollar river barge contract? The eventual winner, Go Rio San Antonio, will be unleashing the city’s brand-new fleet of brightly-colored barges down the San Antonio River on Sunday, Oct. 1.

Go Rio beat out a bid from Chicago-based company Entertainment Cruises in May. As a reminder, Mayor Ron Nirenberg was only member of City Council to vote against Go Rio’s win.

The new barges are electric, making them quieter, and come in five different colors, with siding resembling papel picado. Regular tours will hold around 40 passengers, according to a Wednesday press release. Tickets will cost $12 per person. Go Rio also plans on hosting “foodie adventures, ghost tours, and yoga and spin classes” on the new barges. The company’s unveiling 26 new boats on Sunday, a number expected to grow to 43 by December.

Go Rio co-owner and local restaurateur Lisa Wong told KENS5 that many of the existing 120 employees will still be able to keep their job. Can’t say goodbye to the trusty old barges? You can buy one of the retired 43. If that’s something you’re into.

This article appears in SA Music Showcase.