New York City’s horse-drawn carriage industry could be phased out under legislation backed by Mayor Zohran Mamdani and City Council Speaker Julie Menin. The Council is scheduled to vote on the proposal Oct. 22. If approved, carriage operations would be prohibited beginning June 1, 2028.
The proposal, called Romanch’s Law after 18-year-old Romanch Mahajan, would direct city agencies to prepare a transition plan for drivers, owners and stable workers by April 1, 2027. The plan would include job placement, career counseling, training and referrals to other transportation and tourism work. Officials would also consider compensation for carriage owners and help retiring horses, but payments are not guaranteed.
The agreement follows Mahajan’s death in June after a carriage crash in Central Park. Menin said the incident showed that the existing system was no longer acceptable. The Central Park Conservancy supported the proposal, citing public safety. Animal-rights group PETA also welcomed the move. A PETA representative cited polling that she said showed broad support for a ban; the source report said it had not independently verified that figure.
The Transport Workers Union objected to the proposal, saying it lacks meaningful economic relief for affected workers and owners. Union president John Samuelsen argued that the transition measures were inadequate and criticized Menin’s use of Mahajan’s death in advocating for the legislation. The union had previously favored stronger safety rules and training rather than a full ban.
Mamdani said his administration would work to protect workers and owners while ensuring the horses’ safety. A City Hall spokesperson described the effort as a transition intended to protect workers as the industry ends. The legislation remains subject to the Council vote.
