Some New Yorkers back ban on horse-drawn carriages, but drivers fear for incomes

October 22, 2026

New York City Council is expected to vote on Thursday to ban horse-drawn carriages in Central Park, with the prohibition taking effect in June 2028. The proposed legislation, called Romanch's Law, follows the death of an 18-year-old Indian tourist who fell from a carriage after a horse bolted, as well as the death of a carriage horse that ate a toxic plant. Approximately 200 carriage drivers oppose the ban, arguing their horses are well-cared for and that the work provides necessary stimulation for the animals, while animal rights activists and some New Yorkers support it due to concerns about horse deaths and safety incidents.

Who is affected

Approximately 200 horse-drawn carriage drivers in Central Park (including Alexus Lawson and Medet Fidan mentioned specifically)
The horses used for carriage rides
Workers' families who depend on carriage driver income
Tourists who use the horse-drawn carriage services
Romanch Mahajan's family (the 18-year-old who died in June)
The Transport Workers Union representing the drivers
New York City residents
Animal rights activists

What action is being taken

New York City Council is expected to vote on Thursday to pass a ban on horse-drawn carriages
Mayor Zohran Mamdani's office is involved in planning to find new jobs for affected workers
The city is developing an "industry transition framework" including potential job placement, training, career counseling, and financial compensation

Why it matters

This ban represents a significant shift in a controversial 160-year tradition that has become a popular tourist activity in one of the world's most visited parks. The decision carries major economic implications for approximately 200 workers who earn $60,000-$70,000 annually and could be "economically wiped out" according to their union. The ban also addresses long-standing animal welfare and public safety concerns, as 40 horses have died since 1982 and recent incidents have resulted in human fatalities and injuries, making this a matter of both worker rights and public safety.

What's next

The City Council vote is expected on Thursday
If passed, the ban would take effect in June 2028
An industry transition framework will be developed including job placement, training, career counseling, and financial compensation for those in the business
Mayor Mamdani will help develop a transition plan for workers in the industry

Read full article from source: BBC