New York City Votes to End Central Park’s Horse-Drawn Carriage Tradition After More Than 160 Years

One of New York City’s most recognizable tourist attractions is approaching its final chapter. On October 22, 2026, the New York City Council voted to phase out horse-drawn carriages, ending a tradition that has been part of Central Park since the 1850s.

The legislation, known as Romanch’s Law, passed with 40 votes in favor and seven against, with two abstentions. It would prohibit horse-drawn carriage operations by June 1, 2028, subject to the remaining steps required for the bill to take effect.

The decision follows years of debate over animal welfare, passenger safety and the livelihoods of carriage drivers. Support for the ban grew significantly after two tragic incidents in June 2026: an 18-year-old tourist, Romanch Mahajan, died following a carriage accident, and a carriage horse also collapsed and died that month.

Mahajan had been visiting New York City with his family when a horse pulling their carriage reportedly bolted. The incident renewed calls from animal welfare advocates and safety campaigners to end the practice, arguing that crowded streets, traffic, noise and extreme heat can pose risks to both horses and passengers.

Supporters of the legislation described the vote as a major milestone after nearly two decades of unsuccessful efforts to ban the industry. They say the decision will help protect horses from the demands of working in a busy urban environment while reducing the risks associated with carriage rides.

However, the change also raises concerns for the people whose livelihoods depend on the industry. Drivers, stable workers and business owners have argued that the ban could threaten their income. The legislation calls for a workforce transition program that may include job referrals, career counseling, hiring fairs and educational opportunities. The city is also expected to consider compensation for affected drivers and business owners.

The law includes provisions intended to protect the horses after their retirement. Officials are to work with owners to find humane placements, and the legislation establishes protections against horses being sold for slaughter or transferred to other horse-drawn carriage businesses.

The proposed phaseout is not without opposition. The union representing carriage workers has indicated that it intends to challenge the legislation in court, arguing that workers face serious economic consequences.

Mayor Zohran Mamdani has expressed support for the phaseout, and his administration said it would work to protect both the horses and the workers affected by the transition. The legislation now moves through the remaining steps before it can take effect.

For visitors who have long associated Central Park with romantic horse-drawn rides, the decision marks a significant change to the city’s tourism landscape. By June 2028, the familiar sight of carriages moving through the park could become a memory of a tradition that lasted for more than a century and a half.

Source: PEOPLE