New York City Moves to Ban Central Park Horse Carriages by 2028

New York City lawmakers are preparing to end horse-drawn carriage rides in Central Park by June 2028, threatening the livelihoods of more than 150 remaining drivers. The City Council is expected to pass legislation Thursday following renewed calls for a ban after a fatal carriage accident last spring.

The proposed legislation would require Mayor Zohran Mamdani's office to develop a transition plan by next April. According to the legislation, the plan would connect displaced workers with jobs in public transit, hospitality and the taxi industry, provide career counseling and consider compensation for affected workers.

For drivers who have built their careers around horses, the proposal raises immediate concerns about their animals' future care and their ability to earn a living.

"No one can come up with an appropriate answer because there is none," said Alexus Lawson, a 28-year-old carriage driver from Queens who grew up around horses and previously worked as a riding instructor.

Lawson is particularly concerned about what will happen to her 7-year-old horse, Starlight, and her other animals if the industry closes.

"Without a job, how can I take care of my horses?" Lawson said.

Medet Fidan, 56, said the proposed ban threatens a business he entered after ride-sharing applications disrupted the taxi industry. He previously worked as a cabdriver before switching to horse-drawn carriages, an occupation he has pursued for 15 years.

"I think the city is leaving us a big mess," Fidan said.

Fidan argued that eliminating carriage rides would affect not only individual drivers but also their businesses and household incomes.

"We're going to lose our businesses, we're going to lose our jobs, we're going to lose our livelihoods," Fidan said.

City Hall has begun discussions about potential compensation and is developing a detailed workforce transition plan, according to a spokesperson for Mamdani. The mayor has also acknowledged the city's responsibility to support workers affected by the proposed change.

"Civic responsibility to ensure that we are not leaving anybody out to dry," Mamdani said, describing the government's obligation toward workers facing displacement.

A spokesperson for City Council Speaker Julie Menin said she would continue participating in the transition process as the legislation advances.

"Will remain engaged in the transition process," the spokesperson said, explaining that the legislation establishes a deadline for City Hall to address the future of displaced drivers.

The drivers' union has pledged to challenge the legislation in court once it becomes law, signaling that the proposal could face legal opposition.

The latest effort to end the industry began in June after 18-year-old Indian tourist Romanch Mahajan died after jumping from a runaway carriage during a ride. His death appeared to be the first fatality involving a horse-drawn carriage in Central Park since the rides began more than 150 years ago.

Mahajan's family has urged city officials to prohibit the rides. His father, Deepak Mahajan, told lawmakers that his son jumped from the carriage to help his mother after she was thrown from her seat when the horse suddenly bolted.

Carriage drivers have expressed sympathy for the family but argue that the industry should not be eliminated because of one accident. Christina Hansen, a longtime driver and industry spokesperson, questioned how the proposed legislation would support workers seeking alternative employment.

"It does nothing for alternate employment, for the continuation of our businesses," Hansen said.

Hansen also raised concerns about the financial pressure drivers would face while searching for new jobs.

"Who's going to pay my rent while I'm looking for a job?" Hansen said.

Previous efforts to end carriage rides under former mayors Bill de Blasio and Eric Adams failed to advance. De Blasio campaigned on ending the rides at the start of his administration but faced opposition from unions and a media campaign involving actor Liam Neeson. Adams proposed a ban late in his term, but the proposal did not progress.