New York CIty Plans to End Historic Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides by 2028

Riley Rizzo ‘29

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani and City Council Speaker Julie Menin have reached  a deal to ban the city’s historic horse-drawn carriage industry by June 1, 2028 - says Politico in their article. 

New York City may soon end one of its oldest tourist traditions. Mayor Zohran Mandami and City Council Speaker Julie Menin have reached an agreement to phase out the city’s horse-drawn carriage industry by June 1, 2028. The proposed legislation, known as Romanch’s Law, would end the carriage rides that have been a part of Central Park for more than 150 years. According to The New York City Council website, the city council voted to pass this proposal on Oct. 22, 2026.

The decision of this proposal comes after a serious carriage incident in June 2026 that resulted in the death of an 18- year-old tourist named Romanch Mahjan. The incident raised new concerns about the safety of horse-drawn carriages in a busy city environment. Supporters of the proposed ban argue that crowded streets and paths can create dangerous conditions for the horses, passengers, and pedestrians. They believe ending the industry would help prevent future incidents and improve animal welfare. 

However, not everyone supports the proposed change. Horse-carriage drivers and industry representatives argue that banning the rides would threaten their jobs and financial stability. Many of the workers have spent years building careers in the industry, and some owners have invested significant amounts of money in their businesses. The Transport Workers Union has criticized the proposal, arguing that planned employment assistance may not provide enough financial support for the affected workers.

City officials have said that the legislation would require the administration to develop a plan to help workers transition into new employment. This could include job training, career counseling, and job placement assistance. The proposal also includes protections intended to make sure that horses are retired humanely rather than sold or transferred to other carriage businesses. However, the details of the transition and the financial assistance available to owners remain important concerns.

The debate highlights a larger question about how cities should balance historical traditions with public safety, animal welfare, and workers’ livelihoods. For generations, horse-drawn carriages have been a recognizable part of New York City tourism. If the legislation passes, the city will be moving away from that tradition while working to address the needs of the people and animals affected.

As the City Council prepares to vote, the future of the horse-drawn carriage industry remains a major local issue. The final decision could reshape tourism in Central Park and bring an end to a tradition that has lasted more than a century.