NYC Council Set to Vote on Historic Ban of Central Park Horse Carriages

Key points

• Mamdani and Menin agreed to ban carriage operations starting in June 2028, with a Council vote expected on October 22.
• The bill, named after 18-year-old Romanch Mahajan who died in a carriage accident in June, has secured support from over half of the 51-member Council.
• Carriage owners, such as Frank Riccobono, argue the ban destroys livelihoods and offers no reimbursement for medallions costing nearly $400,000.
• Transport Workers Union Local 100 representatives claim drivers are being ignored and that sanctuary funding for the horses is insufficient.
• Previous attempts to ban the industry under mayors de Blasio and Adams failed due to union pressure, making this the first likely successful legislative effort.

Background

This development follows a long history of failed attempts to ban horse-drawn carriages in New York City, dating back to 2010. The current push gained momentum after the death of tourist Romanch Mahajan in June 2026. The industry has faced criticism for animal welfare issues, including horses collapsing in traffic and poor living conditions, though supporters argue the horses are well-cared for and the tradition is iconic.

How outlets are covering it

Fox News highlights the financial and emotional toll on drivers, quoting owner Frank Riccobono and union steward Christina Hansen, who describe the ban as 'unconstitutional' and a threat to family legacies. They emphasize the lack of direct communication from Mamdani to workers. Politico frames the deal as a major breakthrough in a decades-long stalemate, noting it may inflame Mamdani's relationship with the powerful Transport Workers Union. The New York Daily News presents a mixed public opinion, with some readers calling the industry 'brutal' and others arguing that banning carriages is illogical compared to the dangers of cars and bikes. West Side Rag focuses on the cultural loss of an iconic New York visual, while acknowledging the safety concerns that led to the ban.

Why it matters

The ban represents a significant shift in New York City's urban landscape and labor relations. It tests the city's ability to transition workers from a traditional industry and addresses long-standing debates over animal welfare and public safety. The outcome could set a precedent for how the city handles similar conflicts between modernization and tradition, as well as its relationship with powerful unions like the Transport Workers Union.

What to watch

The City Council is expected to vote on the bill on October 22. If passed, a working group involving the administration, the Council, and the Transport Workers Union will be formed to determine the specifics of the transition plan for the roughly 200 drivers and the relocation of the horses to sanctuaries or rescues.