New York City officials took a decisive step on Tuesday to end the iconic horse‑drawn carriage industry that has operated in Manhattan for more than 150 years. Mayor Zohran Mamdani and City Council Speaker Julie Menin unveiled a deal that would ban carriage operations beginning in June 2028, a move framed as a public‑safety and animal‑welfare initiative after the tragic death of 18‑year‑old Romanch Mahajan in a carriage accident last June. The legislation, renamed “Romanch’s Law,” is expected to be voted on next week.
Mayor’s rationale and transition plan
Mayor Mamdani emphasized the city’s “civic responsibility” to protect both residents and animals. “We must ensure that no one is left out to dry as we transition to a safer, more humane transportation landscape,” he told reporters. The administration has pledged to help the roughly 200 carriage drivers find new employment, working with labor groups and city agencies to develop a transition program that includes job‑training and financial assistance.
Industry pushback
Carriage owners, represented by veteran driver Frank Riccobono, argue that the ban threatens a family legacy and a vital source of income. Riccobono, who runs NYC Horse Carriage Rides with twelve horses and three carriages, described his horses as “like children” and warned that losing the medallion license—costing nearly $400,000—could devastate his family’s finances. “We are being forced to surrender a 168‑year‑old tradition,” he said, calling the criticism of the industry “brainwashing.”
Riccobono’s wife, Natalie, added that the loss of income would jeopardize basic needs for their household, stating, “Taking away these businesses is literally taking food off our table.” Other drivers echoed these concerns, noting that many rely on medallion earnings for retirement and that the proposed bill offers no reimbursement for the substantial investment they have made.
Animal‑welfare and safety concerns
Animal‑rights groups have long highlighted incidents of horses collapsing, escaping into traffic, and suffering from inadequate care. Viral videos of such events have increased public pressure for reform. City officials argue that the ban will prevent future tragedies like Mahajan’s death and ensure that horses are placed in sanctuaries or rescue facilities where they can receive proper care.
Labor and community response
Transport Workers Union Local 100 shop steward Christina Hansen warned that drivers have yet to receive direct communication from the mayor’s office and feel “as if we don’t matter.” She also raised concerns about the capacity of local rescues to care for displaced horses, noting declining donations and limited resources.
In response, a spokesperson for Speaker Menin said the council’s framework is designed to provide “meaningful protections for the workers” and invited the TWU and the mayor’s administration to join a new working group focused on economic opportunities for affected New Yorkers.
Historical context
Efforts to curb the carriage industry date back to former Mayor Bill de Blasio’s 2014 proposal, which ultimately failed. Mamdani’s plan represents the most aggressive attempt yet to eliminate the practice, aligning with his broader agenda of progressive urban reforms.
While the debate continues, the city’s next steps will hinge on the upcoming council vote and the effectiveness of the proposed transition program. Drivers and animal‑welfare advocates alike will be watching closely to see whether New York City can balance tradition, safety, and compassion in this contentious policy shift.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
