New York City moves to ban Central Park horse carriages by 2028

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani and City Council Speaker Julie Menin have reached an agreement on legislation to phase out horse-drawn carriage rides in Central Park by June 1, 2028, effectively bringing an end to a tourist tradition that dates back to the 1850s.

The City Council is scheduled to vote on the measure, titled Romanch’s Law, on October 22, Politico reported on Tuesday. The bill has secured at least 29 co-sponsors in the 51-member chamber, giving it the required majority for passage. Menin indicated that she expects the legislation to pass with sufficient support to override any potential veto, while Mamdani stated on social media that the carriage industry is coming to an end in the city.

A mayoral spokeswoman added that the administration worked closely with the council, union partners, carriage drivers, and animal welfare groups to deliver a transition that protects workers while ending the practice.

The Washington Post reported that it obtained and reviewed the latest iteration of the legislative draft, claiming that under the proposal, existing carriage licenses will expire by May 31, 2028, after which the city will stop renewing or issuing licenses, with narrow exceptions for temporary exhibits or performances. The publication further reported that operating an unauthorised horse carriage after the ban takes effect will carry fines of up to $10,000 as well as potential jail time.

The Washington Post also claimed that the draft outlines a workforce transition plan for the roughly 150 drivers, stable employees, and owners who operate Central Park's 68 licensed carriages, requiring designated city agencies to submit the framework by April 1, 2027. According to The Washington Post report, the plan would offer career counselling, job placement assistance, and a referral network for roles in the taxi and limousine sector, sightseeing bus companies, pedicab operations, and hospitality. The proposal directs the city to consider compensation for carriage owners, though financial payouts are not guaranteed.

The legislation also establishes welfare safeguards for the more than 180 horses currently in service. Owners will be barred from transferring retired animals to other carriage businesses or sending them to slaughter. Operators must also notify the Health Department and the Mayor’s Office of Animal Welfare at least 10 days before releasing or transferring any licensed horse.

Political momentum for the legislation accelerated following the death of Romanch Mahajan, an 18-year-old tourist from India who died in June after falling from a carriage during a runaway horse incident. Lawmakers subsequently renamed the bill in his honour. A survey conducted by the Central Park Conservancy following the incident found that approximately 68% of New Yorkers favoured ending the rides, with conservancy officials describing the phase-out as an urgent public safety measure.

Carriage operators and the Transport Workers Union of America, which represents the drivers, have opposed the ban, arguing that horse-related injuries remain lower than incidents involving e-bikes or scooters in the park. Operators have warned that losing carriage income will impair their ability to care for and relocate horses once the ban takes effect, while union leadership had previously urged the city to implement stricter testing, hitching safety protocols, and park infrastructure rather than an outright ban.

Also Read: Trump promises $5,000 to every adult if Republicans win Congress, says tariffs will pay