One of New York City’s most recognizable traditions could soon disappear as Mayor Zohran Mamdani moves forward with a proposal that would permanently change the experience of visiting Central Park.
For generations, horse-drawn carriages have carried tourists through Manhattan’s famous park, becoming a fixture of the city’s identity and providing livelihoods for drivers and small-business owners.
But after years of political battles, animal welfare campaigns, and growing concerns about public safety, city leaders are preparing to bring the historic industry to an end.
Mamdani and City Council Speaker Julie Menin have reached an agreement to ban horse-drawn carriage operations beginning June 1, 2028, pending approval of legislation scheduled for a vote on October 22.
The proposal, known as Romanch’s Law, already has 29 City Council co-sponsors, giving supporters confidence that the measure will pass. It would prohibit new carriage licenses while establishing a timeline for shutting down existing operations.
“The horse carriage industry is coming to an end in New York City,” Mamdani wrote on social media Tuesday.
The mayor also pledged that his administration would protect affected workers and owners while ensuring the horses are safely retired. The legislation follows the death of 18-year-old Romanch Mahajan, a tourist from India who was killed in June after being thrown from a runaway carriage in Central Park.
His death renewed calls to eliminate an industry that has operated in New York City for more than 160 years. Menin cited the tragedy as a major reason for advancing the legislation, arguing that increasing congestion inside Central Park has made traditional carriage rides more dangerous.
“The tragic and preventable death of 18-year-old Romanch Mahajan made clear that the status quo is no longer acceptable,” Menin said in a statement.
New York, NY USA – April 16, 2024: New York City, Horse Drawn Carriage on Streets of New York
Supporters of the ban have also pointed to previous incidents involving horses collapsing, becoming frightened, or running loose on crowded city streets. Animal welfare organizations have spent decades campaigning against the industry, arguing that horses should not be required to work in an increasingly congested urban environment.
However, the proposal has generated fierce opposition from carriage drivers and labor representatives who warn that eliminating the industry could financially devastate working families.
Transport Workers Union President John Samuelsen criticized the legislation, arguing that its worker protections fall far short of what employees need.
“Council Speaker Menin’s bill has no meaningful economic relief for workers,” Samuelsen said.
The union has warned that many carriage drivers are immigrants who depend on the business to support their families and pay their mortgages.
Industry representatives have also threatened legal action if the legislation is approved, arguing that the government should not eliminate established businesses without adequate compensation.
Under the proposal, Mamdani’s administration would be required to develop employment assistance programs, including career counseling, job placement services, educational opportunities, and potential tuition assistance.
City officials would also help owners arrange humane retirement options for their horses.
Previous attempts to eliminate horse-drawn carriages stalled under former Mayor Bill de Blasio and other city leaders, largely because of political opposition and concerns about workers’ livelihoods. This time, however, the proposal has secured backing from both the mayor and City Council leadership.
With a vote scheduled for next week, New York City is now approaching a decision that could bring one of Central Park’s longest-running tourist attractions to an end.
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[ H/T Trending Politics ]
