New York: City Council to vote tomorrow on banning horse-drawn carriages in Central Park

New York — The New York City Council will vote this Thursday, October 22, on the bill that would phase out horse-drawn carriages in Central Park by June 1, 2028, a 168-year-old tourism tradition in the city.

The proposal, known as Romanch's Law, would prohibit the issuance of new carriage licenses and end the entire industry's operations on that date if approved. It is named after Romanch Mahajan, the 18-year-old Indian tourist who died last June after being thrown from a runaway carriage in the park.

Council Speaker Julie Menin announced the scheduled vote on October 14, and the measure has 29 members listed as co-sponsors, according to local press reports. Mayor Zohran Mamdani and Menin reached an agreement on the bill, which includes a city-run workforce transition program for carriage drivers, offering job placement, training, career counseling and financial compensation.

Supporters include animal-welfare organizations and the Central Park Conservancy, which have cited public-safety concerns in a park increasingly crowded with pedestrians, cyclists and other users. Menin called the current situation a public-safety liability and said the law is intended to protect New Yorkers, visitors and the horses.

The Transport Workers Union (TWU), which represents the drivers, opposes the bill and has warned it may sue, arguing that the economic relief for workers is insufficient. Its president, John Samuelsen, accused city leaders of political opportunism.

If passed, the legislation would require horses to be retired to sanctuaries and bar their sale to slaughterhouses. The vote follows the July 14 hearing, in which council members heard from stakeholders, city agencies and advocates before preparing the version to be voted on.

Photo: IndoNewYork

Source: IndoNewYork