When Does the Pull‑Cart Ban in New York Start? Here’s the Date...

In New York, the U.S. capital, horse‑drawn carriage tours that have become intertwined with Central Park have entered a winding‑down phase. The City Council approved the regulation known as the Romanch Law by a vote of 7 to 40. With the law set to take effect, plans call for ending horse‑drawn carriage operations by June 2028. The regulation now awaits the signature of Mayor Zohran Mamdani.

The process of the death of an 18‑year‑old tourist has been accelerated.

The revival of the ban on entry, which led to the death of 18‑year‑old Romanch Mahajan in a horse‑drawn carriage accident in Central Park in June 2026, has brought the issue back to the agenda. His family, following the young tourist’s death, called for a ban on horse‑drawn carriages. The bill bearing Mahajan’s name aims to put an end to the long‑debated practice in the city.

Near 160 AT for New Life Plan

As part of the reforms, it is planned to retire approximately 160 horses from service and relocate them to suitable new stables under conditions that ensure the animals’ safety and prevent their being sent to slaughter. The city administration is expected to prepare a transition process that will safeguard the animals and preclude their being sent to slaughter. Details regarding which centers the horses will be placed in and how the maintenance costs will be covered need to be clarified.

A meeting for the worker close to 200 is being prepared.

The ban will also affect drivers who make a living from operating pony rides and the business owners. It is noted that there are approximately 150-200 drivers and business owners in the sector, and a plan to support employees in transitioning to new jobs is expected to be prepared. The city administration is expected to develop an employment transition plan by April 2027.

The Transport Workers Union (TWU), representing pony‑ride drivers, opposes the regulation. The union argues that operators could suffer serious economic losses due to their licenses and investments. Representatives stated that there is insufficient financial compensation and announced that the law will be taken to court.

THE LAW CAN BE TAKEN TO COURT

Supporters of the law argue that both animal protection and increased pedestrian and visitor safety in the city are necessary. Opposing business owners claim that ending a tradition that has lasted about 168 years would eliminate workers' sources of livelihood.

Mayor Zohran Mamdani said that employees and business owners should be protected during the transition, and that horses must also continue to live in safe conditions. Because the union is preparing a legal challenge, the regulation is expected to be debated in courts in the future.