The New York City council has voted to ban horse-drawn carriage rides by 2028, a decision with significant implications for hundreds of jobs.
On Thursday, the council passed Romanch's Law, legislation named after 18-year-old Romanch Mahajan, who died this summer after being ejected from a runaway carriage in Central Park. Under the measure, carriage operations will cease completely in June 2028. The legislation also calls for a plan to help affected employees and business owners transition out of the industry in 2027.
Committee Vote and Final Approval
Earlier on Thursday, the council's health committee voted six-to-three in favor of the ban, clearing the way for the full council vote later in the day. The final vote came just hours after workers and members of the Transport Workers Union (TWU) Local 100, which represents carriage drivers, gathered outside city hall in a last-minute push to stop the legislation.
Protesters called on lawmakers to vote against the proposal or postpone the decision to allow further negotiations. They rallied and held signs, with one person raising a bag of horse poop in protest. At the center of their objections is uncertainty over what happens to workers once the industry shuts down. Carriage operators maintain their livelihoods are being taken away without a clear path forward.
Union and Driver Concerns
John Samuelsen, president of TWU, told Spectrum NY it is "utterly false" that the bill includes real plans for retraining workers. "There's nothing concrete at all," he said. "The language says consideration will be given. The language should not say that."
The measure could also put dozens of carriage medallions in jeopardy, including those belonging to immigrant-run family enterprises passed down through generations. Industry advocates argue the trade has significant financial importance, with operators conducting more than 100,000 rides each year and contributing to the city's tourism sector.
Some drivers expressed disappointment that Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who has championed himself as a voice for the working class and unions, would support the ban. One longtime driver, Conner McHugh, told Gothamist the mayor "gets up on his podium and announces that he's just shutting us all down, putting us out of business, doesn't even talk to us," adding, "I think this guy is as phoney as a $3 bill."
Safety and Welfare Arguments
Advocates for the ban have raised concerns over the years about dangers to passengers and pedestrians, which gained national attention after Mahajan's death. Animal welfare campaigners have also questioned conditions, pointing to several horse deaths since 2020, including incidents where animals collapsed while pulling carriages.
Before the decision, Donald Trump wrote on Truth Social he is "so sad to see the beloved Central Park Horse-drawn Carriage Industry ending after over a Century, based largely on one tragic accident." He added, "When there is a car accident in the area, of which there are many, they don't stop cars from entering the Park. So why would they stop the Carriages? It was a Great Tradition. Another piece of History that's gone. It will be missed!"
The Transport Workers Union has informed city officials it plans to pursue legal action in federal court if the legislation passes. Union officials maintain the measure would unlawfully deprive carriage owners of their operating licenses, valuable medallions, and businesses built over many years.
Next Steps
Thursday's vote follows an agreement reached earlier this month between Mayor Mamdani and the head of the city council to eliminate horse-drawn carriage rides. Mamdani previously wrote on X: "The horse carriage industry is coming to an end in New York City. Our administration will make sure workers and owners are protected and the horses are safe."
