NYC Horse Carriage Drivers Fear Homelessness as Industry Faces Ban

New York City horse-drawn carriage drivers say they feel "betrayed" and fear potential homelessness following a deal struck by Mayor Zohran Mamdani and City Council Speaker Julie Menin to ban the industry. The proposed legislation, dubbed "Romanch's Law," aims to outlaw horse-drawn carriages in the city by June 2028.

The move has left approximately 200 drivers, owners, and stable workers facing unemployment, with many expressing concern about their future and the well-being of their horses. Jill Adamski, a driver for a decade, stated she feels "betrayed" because the bill did not include concrete provisions for the affected workers and animals. "I have no idea how I’m gonna really live. I’m assuming I’m just going to live out of savings for a little bit, and eventually, probably be homeless, but I don’t really have a plan," Adamski said.

The legislation gained momentum after the June death of 18-year-old Romanch Mahajan, who fell from a carriage. Animal advocates have long called for an end to the practice, and the bill is expected to pass the City Council with a veto-proof majority.

While the bill outlines plans to send the approximately 160 carriage horses to rescue farms and sanctuaries, and mandates a workforce transition program including career counseling and job referrals, it does not specify compensation for workers. Mayor Mamdani assured that "none of these workers and owners are the ones who are made to pay for the sunsetting of an industry," promising a more explicit commitment to the workforce than what is currently detailed in the legislation.

However, many drivers feel overlooked in the legislative process. Emrah Eogru, an immigrant from Turkey who has driven a carriage for four years, expressed sadness at the prospect of losing his livelihood, stating, "I love my work, I love horses, I love Central Park, I love people." Tony Moran, a driver for 40 years, voiced frustration over the lack of clear information regarding the bill's impact on workers.

"Politicians are dirty people," commented one anonymous driver. "Why you have to take my job now? You want to ban the horse because somebody died? How many people get hit in the street? You want to ban that?" Another driver, who requested anonymity, highlighted his lack of education and specialized skills, fearing he would not find alternative employment.

The Transport Workers Union has pledged to fight the legislation, criticizing Speaker Menin for what they call "political opportunism" and arguing that the bill lacks meaningful economic relief for the workers. Union President John Samuelsen stated, "This is disgraceful political opportunism, and Zohran should not simply go along with it, particularly when immigrant families’ livelihoods are being destroyed."