NYC Council Votes to Ban Horse-Drawn Carriages by 2028 After Tourist Death

New York City's iconic horse-drawn carriages will likely be phased out by July 2028, following a vote by the City Council to ban the tourist attraction. The decision, led by Indian-origin Mayor Zohran Mamdani, became a central point of debate after the death of Indian teenager Romanch Mahajan, who was visiting the city in June.

Romanch Mahajan died on June 17 after being thrown from a horse-drawn carriage when the horse bolted as its driver stepped away to take a photograph of his family, resulting in fatal injuries. Following the City Council's 40-7 vote to approve the ban, former US President Donald Trump criticized the move on Truth Social, stating, “When there is a car accident in the area, of which there are many, they don’t stop cars from entering the Park. So why would they stop the Carriages? It was a Great Tradition. Another piece of History that’s gone. It will be missed!” Trump, a former New York City real estate mogul, has significant business ties to the city, including Trump Tower near Central Park.

The new legislation mandates the city to develop a transition plan for affected workers by April 2027, which includes support to help them secure other jobs. It also calls for considering a compensation program for carriage operators and making arrangements for the horses, ensuring they cannot be sent for slaughter. However, concerns persist among those whose livelihoods depend on the industry regarding the specifics of financial assistance and alternative employment opportunities.

The ban is expected to face a legal challenge from the Transport Workers Union, which represents carriage owners and drivers. The union has threatened to seek a temporary restraining order once the legislation is enacted, arguing it would strip operators of the economic use of their property and effectively outlaw a previously licensed profession, according to amNew York. In a letter to New York City Corporation Counsel Steve Banks, the union's principal attorney, Arthur Schwartz, contended that the measure would deprive operators of their businesses and investments without adequate compensation, noting, “This may be the first time in City history that a previously licensed profession was banned.” The tradition dates back over 150 years, with the legislation scheduled to phase out rides by June 1, 2028.

What to watch: The Transport Workers Union's threatened legal challenge could impact the ban's implementation date.

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