City Council passes Romanch’s Law, ending NYC horse carriage rides by June 2028
The bill passed 40-7 and goes to Mayor Mamdani, who has agreed to sign it. Carriage licenses would expire May 31, 2028.
The City Council voted Thursday to approve Romanch’s Law, a bill that would wind down New York City’s horse-drawn carriage industry and end the rides by June 2028. It passed 40-7 with two abstentions and now goes to Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who has agreed to sign it.
The law is named for Romanch Mahajan, 18, who died in June after he was thrown from a carriage in Central Park. A spooked horse had broken away from its driver and crashed into another carriage. He was visiting the city to celebrate finishing high school. Council Member Christopher Marte sponsored the bill.
When NYC horse carriage rides end
Starting June 1, 2028, no new license of any kind could be granted to a carriage horse, a horse-drawn cab or a driver. Every license already held would lapse at the end of the day on May 31, 2028, with renewal off the table. Carriages have worked in Central Park since 1858.
What happens to the horses and the drivers
The horses would have to be placed humanely. Owners could not sell or hand them over for slaughter or for work at another horse-drawn cab business. “It even allows horse owners to keep their horses if they so choose,” Council Speaker Julie Menin said before the vote.
One or more agencies chosen by the mayor must produce a transition plan by April 1, 2027. It has to include a workforce program for drivers, owners and stable workers, and consider help with placing horses, disposing of equipment and compensation for the value of businesses, licenses and equipment. Menin said the city wants to help the more than 150 active drivers find new jobs over the next two years, with options such as career counseling and civil service training. The Council says Speaker Menin’s office will form a joint working group with the mayor’s administration and labor to work through the transition for carriage workers. NYC Council press release
Transport Workers Union Local 100, which represents the drivers and maintains that the horses are well cared for, opposes the bill. Its administrative vice president called the law unconstitutional and promised a legal fight: “We will see them in court.” The union said it has not been shown details of the transition plan, and drivers have asked how they will support their families and what will become of their horses.
Quick answers
When will horse carriage rides end in NYC?
Under Romanch's Law, existing licenses lapse on May 31, 2028, and no new licenses can be granted starting June 1, 2028.
What happens to the carriage horses?
They must be placed humanely and cannot be sold or transferred for slaughter or for another horse-drawn cab business. Owners may keep their horses.
What help will carriage drivers get?
An agency chosen by the mayor must create a transition plan by April 1, 2027, including a workforce program and consideration of compensation.
