New York's 168-Year-Old Horse-Drawn Carriage Tradition Is Ending!
The New York administration plans to remove the horse-drawn carriages in Central Park by June 2028. The bill draft will be voted on October 22.
In the United States, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani and City Council President Julie Menin reached an agreement to end horse‑drawn carriage transportation in Central Park. Under the plan, this activity, which has been running in the city for 168 years, will be phased out by June 2028.
The regulation known as Romanch Law (Romanch’s Law) is expected to be voted on by the City Council on October 22. The draft was prepared in memory of 18‑year‑old Romanch Mahajan, who lost his life in a carriage accident in Central Park in June.
Calls for a Ban Increased After the Accident
Romanch Mahajan, who came to New York from India with his family, lost his life in a Central Park accident on June 17, 2026. After the incident, his family called for the adoption of a law bearing the young man's name. Heavy pedestrian and bicycle traffic in the city also brought the safety of carriages back into the debate.
City Council President Julie Menin said the current conditions had become unsustainable and announced that the regulation aims to protect the safety of the public, visitors, and horses. The draft was reported to have the support of 29 council members.
New Business Plan to be Developed for Carriage Workers
The regulation foresees not only the termination of horse‑drawn carriage operations but also the support of workers in the sector during the transition. The Mamdani administration will need to develop new job opportunities for drivers and find suitable stables for the horses. It also plans to prevent the issuance of new horse‑drawn carriage licenses.
The municipal administration says it is working with unions, carriage drivers, and animal‑rights advocates to create a transition process that will protect workers' livelihoods.
Carriage Sector Prepares for Legal Battle Against the Ban
Workers and business owners representing the horse‑drawn carriage sector are opposing the regulation. Christina Hansen, a representative of Transport Workers Union Local 100, argued that the ban would endanger the livelihoods of drivers and business owners. Sector representatives said they could pursue legal action if the regulation is adopted and claimed the ban is unconstitutional.
Animal‑rights advocates, however, expect the long‑standing calls for a ban to finally bear fruit. The vote the city council will hold on October 22 will decide the future of the horse‑drawn carriages that have become an icon of Central Park.
Comments
You must sign in to comment.
Sign InYou Might Also Like
A small plane crashed into a forest in the United States: six people lost their lives.
In Wisconsin, United States, the crash of a Piper PA-46 small plane into a forest resulted in the death of one child and six other people. An investigation into the incident has been launched.
Attention: Those Who Dream of University in the US!
Time is running out for students who dream of university in the US! Professor Dr. Olcay Yavuz reminded that early applications at some American universities will end on October 15. So, what awaits students who miss this deadline, and what advantages does early application provide?
In India, a boat tragedy: 13 people lost their lives!
In the Vaishali region of Bihar state in India, a boat that capsized at night took the lives of 13 mostly children. Search and rescue teams saved 7 people.
.avif){kind=small}