New York plans to ban the use of horse-drawn carriages in Central Park as of June 2028, according to a bill supported by City Council President Julie Menin and Mayor Zohran Mamdani; the council is expected to vote on the proposal next week.
The issue of horse-drawn carriages intensified after the death of an 18-year-old tourist from India, Romanch Mahajan, who died after falling from a carriage. Following that incident, Mayor Mamdani stated that he supports the essence of the proposal but pointed out the need for additional protection for workers who depend on this job.
The proposed law provides for the possibility that the city consider financial compensation for drivers, retraining programs, employment assistance, and career counseling. The Transport Workers Union Local 100, which represents carriage drivers, believes the current proposal does not provide sufficient protection for employees; union president John Samuelsen criticized Julie Menin and stated that city authorities have not adequately considered the position of workers.
According to union data, there are currently 68 horse-drawn carriage licenses in New York, about 150 active and licensed drivers, and approximately 160 licensed horses. If the proposal is adopted, Central Park could lose one of its most recognizable tourist attractions as of summer 2028.
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