The New York City council approved a measure on Thursday to prohibit horse-drawn carriage rides by June 2028, in response to a tragic incident involving a teenage tourist last spring. The bill mandates Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s office to devise a plan by April of next year to assist the remaining 150+ drivers and others in the industry in transitioning to new employment opportunities. While the specifics of the legislation are somewhat vague and lack clear benchmarks for displaced workers, it calls for the development of a program by city officials that encompasses job referrals, career guidance, and educational options. Moreover, it grants the administration the discretion to explore potential forms of compensation for industry workers.
City hall has already initiated efforts towards implementing a workforce transition program and has commenced discussions regarding potential compensation arrangements, as per city officials. A spokesperson for the mayor affirmed that the mayor intends to endorse this bill, with the Mamdani administration striving to safeguard the interests of both owners and workers within the industry. The union representing carriage drivers has pledged to legally challenge the legislation promptly following its enactment.
The impetus for this legislative action was triggered in June by the tragic death of an 18-year-old Indian tourist, Romanch Mahajan, who tragically lost his life after leaping from a runaway carriage during a ride. This fatality marked the first such incident involving a horse-drawn carriage in Central Park since the inception of these rides.
Mahajan’s family has directly appealed to the city to discontinue the carriage rides, sharing emotional testimonies expressing their belief in the rides’ safety. During a rally, Gaurav Mahajan, Romanch’s uncle, endorsed the proposal, stating that “the hour of justice has finally arrived,” alongside local legislators and animal welfare advocates. He emphasized the family’s endeavor to transform their profound loss into a resilient commitment to kindness for the city.
While expressing condolences to the Mahajan family, carriage drivers argue that they are unjustly singled out due to a singular accident and raise concerns about the lack of provisions for alternative employment and the continuity of their businesses. Christina Hansen, a veteran carriage driver and industry spokesperson, questioned who would support her financially while she seeks new employment opportunities.