New York City Agreement to Ban Horse-Drawn Carriages by 2028

New York City is poised to end its historic horse-drawn carriage industry, with an agreement reached Tuesday between Mayor Zohran Mamdani and City Council Speaker Julie Menin setting a proposed ban for June 1, 2028. The measure, known as Romanch's Law, will be put to a City Council vote on October 22.

The legislation, named after 18-year-old Romanch Mahajan, who died from injuries sustained in a carriage crash in June, mandates that city officials develop a transition plan for drivers, owners, and stable workers. However, the plan does not guarantee financial compensation for those affected.

Mamdani announced the impending end of the industry on X, stating, "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."

Animal rights organization PETA, which has long campaigned against the industry, welcomed the agreement. Ashley Byrne, a PETA representative, described the decision as "long overdue" and cited past incidents of horses collapsing and colliding with vehicles.

The Central Park Conservancy also expressed support, with President and CEO Betsy Smith highlighting public safety. "For the Central Park Conservancy, this has always been a matter of public safety. We hope carriages can be phased out efficiently and humanely so that no one else ever suffers the fate of Romanch Mahajan," Smith said.

However, the Transport Workers Union (TWU) criticized the agreement, with International President John Samuelsen stating that the bill lacks meaningful economic relief for workers. Samuelsen accused city leaders of using Mahajan's death as a political tool to advance the ban.

"Council Speaker Menin used the tragic death of a tourist to contrive a public safety crisis. This is disgraceful political opportunism, and Zohran should not simply go along with it, particularly when immigrant families' livelihoods are being destroyed," Samuelsen said.

Under the proposed legislation, city agencies are required to develop a workforce transition plan by April 1, 2027. This plan would include job placement services, career counseling, training, and referrals. The city will also consider compensation for carriage owners and assistance with retiring horses, though payouts are not guaranteed.

"We have been working closely with the City Council, union partners, carriage drivers, animal welfare advocates, and community leaders to deliver a just transition that protects workers while ending horse-drawn carriages in Central Park once and for all," said City Hall spokesperson Sneha Choudhary.

City Council Speaker Menin emphasized the need to balance tradition with evolving public safety and worker welfare concerns. "We can honor our city's traditions while recognizing when it's time to move forward in the interest of public safety, protecting workers, and strengthening our city's economic vitality," Menin stated.

The fatal incident involving Romanch Mahajan, a tourist from India, followed a series of horse-related issues in and around Central Park. The Central Park Conservancy reported that Mahajan's death was the eighth such incident in approximately 13 months. Shortly before Mahajan's death, a carriage horse named Deniz reportedly collapsed and died.

In response to the June incident, TWU Local 100 had previously advocated for stricter driver examinations, enhanced training, and additional safety regulations as alternatives to an outright ban.