New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani and City Council Speaker Julie Menin announced a deal to phase out horse-drawn carriages, with a vote expected next week on legislation that would ban the operations beginning in June 2028. The proposal, renamed "Romanch’s Law" after an 18-year-old tourist killed in a carriage-related incident in June, marks the culmination of a century-old debate over the iconic Central Park attraction.
The move to ban the industry follows years of controversy involving animal welfare concerns and public safety incidents, including viral videos of horses collapsing or escaping into traffic. While proponents argue the ban aligns with modern animal rights standards and safety protocols, industry leaders contend that the legislation threatens the livelihoods of approximately 200 drivers and owners who have invested heavily in the business.
What the Left Is Saying
Mayor Mamdani and Speaker Menin have framed the ban as a necessary step to ensure public safety and uphold civic responsibility. Mamdani stated that the city has a duty to ensure workers are not "left as an afterthought" during the transition. "I think that we have a civic responsibility to ensure that we are not leaving anybody out to dry," Mamdani told reporters, emphasizing that the administration is committed to helping carriage drivers transition into new jobs.
Animal rights activists and progressive advocates have long targeted the carriage industry, accusing operators of mistreating horses. Proponents of the ban point to incidents where horses have collapsed or been seen in distress, arguing that the industry is outdated and incompatible with modern urban animal welfare standards. The renaming of the bill to honor Romanch Mahajan, the teenager killed in June, highlights the focus on preventing further tragedies.
What the Right Is Saying
Carriage drivers and owners argue that the industry is being unfairly maligned and that the ban will destroy family legacies and significant financial investments. Frank Riccobono, owner of NYC Horse Carriage Rides, stated that the criticism is "brainwashing" and that his horses receive the "most perfect lifestyle" with regular veterinary care. "It shows they're trying to criminalize us because a horse is working," Riccobono said.
Critics of the ban, including veteran driver Christina Hansen of the Transport Workers Union Local 100, argue that the workers are being ignored. Hansen stated that drivers have yet to hear directly from Mamdani and are being treated "as if we don't matter." She described the "only cruelty" in the industry as the way drivers and owners are being treated by the city. Riccobono, whose father spent 47 years in the business, noted that many drivers rely on this income for retirement, with some colleagues on dialysis depending on the medallion revenue.
What the Numbers Show
The proposed ban is set to take effect in June 2028. The legislation affects approximately 200 carriage drivers and owners in New York City. Under the current system, operators must purchase medallions to legally run their businesses; Riccobono reported paying nearly $400,000 for his medallion. The bill does not provide immediate reimbursement for these investments, leaving owners to absorb the loss. Owners are permitted to keep, sell, or transfer their horses, provided they are not sent to slaughter or another carriage business.
The Bottom Line
The City Council is scheduled to vote on the bill next week, marking a pivotal moment for one of New York’s most enduring tourist traditions. While the ban is framed as a safety and animal welfare measure, the primary point of contention remains the economic impact on the roughly 200 individuals involved in the industry. Mamdani and Menin have pledged to include "meaningful protections for the workers" in the transition plan, but specific details on financial support or job placement remain uncertain. Observers will be watching to see if the city can successfully mitigate the financial losses for long-time operators while enforcing the new regulations.