New York City Council votes to ban horse-drawn carriages by 2028

Summarised from 5 outlets · Updated 23 Oct, 03:02 · Archive

New York City Council voted Thursday to ban horse-drawn carriage rides in the city by June 2028, following an teenager's death in Central Park.

The New York City Council voted Thursday to ban horse-drawn carriages, passing legislation that will end operations by June 1, 2028. The law, named Romanch's Law, was introduced following the death of 18-year-old tourist Romanch Mahajan in June after he was thrown from a runaway carriage in Central Park when the driver stepped away to take a photograph.

The vote passed 40-7 with two abstentions. The bill is now headed to Mayor Zohran Mamdani for signature. Council member Christopher Marte said before the vote: "With a majority of the Council behind us, we have a historic opportunity to protect New Yorkers, visitors, workers, and animals, and we intend to finish the job." City Council Speaker Julie Menin defended the legislation as necessary to protect animals and public safety.

The phaseout represents the end of a practice that has been part of Central Park since its opening more than 160 years ago. The bill requires the city to develop a workforce transition plan by April 2027, including job training, career counselling and employment referrals for more than 150 active carriage drivers and other workers. However, financial compensation for business owners is not guaranteed under the proposal, and horses cannot be slaughtered.

Carriage owners and their families protested outside City Hall on Wednesday and Thursday, arguing that the plan does not go far enough to support their livelihoods. Francesco Riccobono, a carriage owner, said: "I invested $400,000 two years ago to expand my father's dream, and you're coming here to steal it." His wife Natalie added: "We are asking for fairness. We are asking for compassion. We are asking for a seat at the table."

One family claimed to have spent nearly a century building their business. An attempt to delay the phaseout until January 2030 failed before the final vote. Industry supporters note that carriage operators provide more than 100,000 rides annually and contribute significantly to the city's tourism sector.

The Transport Workers Union Local 100, which represents carriage drivers, threatened to challenge the ban in federal court and seek a temporary restraining order. Union lawyer Ben Kallos said he believes a judge will overturn the legislation, arguing the city failed to complete a required economic impact analysis. TWU President John Samuelson said the bill does not provide real worker retraining plans. Union representatives accused City Council Speaker Menin of failing to adequately consult drivers whose livelihoods are at stake.

President Donald Trump weighed in on social media Thursday, criticising the move. He wrote: "The Horse-drawn Carriage in New York City is a quintessential New York experience. So sad that, for political reasons, we will see it go!" Trump also questioned why carriages should be banned when car accidents are common in the area. Animal welfare advocates have supported the ban, citing several horse deaths since 2020 and concerns about conditions in the industry.

How it is being reported

• Trump lashes out at NYC's controversial decision to end 150-year tradition by banning horse-drawn carriagesThe horse-drawn carriages that have cruised through Central Park for more than 150 years will soon be banished from the Big Apple, ending an iconic tradition beloved by tourists.Daily Mail · 23 Oct, 02:40
• New York City Council votes to ban horse-drawn carriage rides in 2028New York's governing body voted Thursday to ban horse-drawn carriage rides in the city in 2028.UPI · 23 Oct, 01:30
• New York City Council officially votes to ban 'historic' horse-drawn carriages on city streetsNew York City Council has voted to ban horse-drawn carriages from city streets and Central Park beginning in June 2028. The council's vote will end the historic tourist attraction and long-standing industry in the world-famous park. Of the city's 51 lawmakers, 40 supported the bill, backed by Democrat Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who earlier this month said the horse-drawn carriage industry would end. Meanwhile, seven council members voted against it and two abstained. TRENDING Stories Videos Your Say Support for the ban grew after the death this summer of Romanch Mahajan, an 18-year-old tourist…GB News · 23 Oct, 01:01
• NYC votes to end nearly 170-year-old horse carriage tradition as Trump blasts ban, drivers threaten lawsuitThe Transport Workers Union threatens federal court action after the New York City Council voted 40-7 to ban horse-drawn carriages by June 2028.Fox News · 23 Oct, 00:32
• Horse-drawn carriage ban approved by NYC CouncilThe New York City Council voted Thursday on Romanch's Law, which will ban horse-drawn carriage rides in the city by 2028.CBS News · 22 Oct, 23:08

In this story: Romanch Mahajan · New York City Council · Central Park · Zohran Mamdani · Transport Workers Union · Donald Trump · New York City

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