Central Park’s Horse-Drawn Carriage Era Is Coming To An End

CENTRAL PARK, NY — After more than 150 years of operating in Central Park, horse-drawn carriage rides are set to end in 2028 after the City Council approved legislation Thursday to phase out the industry.

The bill, sponsored by Council Member Christopher Marte, is named for 18-year-old Romanch Mahajan, who died in June after being thrown from a horse-drawn carriage while visiting New York City to celebrate his high school graduation.

Under the legislation, the city would stop issuing licenses for carriage horses, horse-drawn cabs and drivers on or after June 1, 2028.

Licenses active before then would expire May 31, 2028, and could not be renewed.

"We know that by passing Romanch's law, it is a lasting legacy in his honor," Julie Menin, the Speaker of City Council, said.

The new law also requires a transition plan for carriage owners, drivers and other industry workers, including stable workers.

An agency or agencies designated by the mayor must develop the plan by April 1, 2027. It must include a workforce transition program and consider help for owners with placing their horses and disposing of equipment, as well as compensation for the value of their businesses, licenses and equipment.

"Over the past 150 years, the life of the city has dramatically changed," Betsy Smith, the CEO and president of the Central Park Conservancy, said. "In the modern era, carriages pose a serious—and even fatal—safety risk to Park visitors, carriage drivers, and the horses themselves."

The bill requires carriage horses to be humanely placed and bars their sale or transfer for inhumane purposes, including slaughter or use in another horse-drawn cab business.

Carriages have operated in Central Park since 1858. The industry has faced years of debate over animal welfare and public safety, including renewed calls for a ban after carriage horse Ryder collapsed in the park in 2022 and later died.

Following Mahajan’s death, the Council held a hearing on the industry and potential legislation to wind it down.

Both Mayor Zohran Mamdani and Menin are in support of the bill, which has a veto-proof majority. The bill passed 40-7, with two abstentions.

For questions, email Miranda.Levingston@Patch.com.