New York City Council Votes to Ban Horse-Drawn Carriages by June 2028

The New York City Council voted 40-7 in favor of a bill to ban horse-drawn carriages, with implementation scheduled for June 2028. This legislative action follows the reported death of an 18-year-old Indian tourist, Romanch Mahajan, who suffered fatal injuries after being thrown from a carriage when the horse bolted on June 17. The legislation is backed by Mayor Zohran Mamdani and aims to phase out the historic tourist industry operating in Central Park and surrounding city streets.

Legislative Details and Requirements

The approved bill outlines several mandatory steps prior to the 2028 enforcement date:

• Worker Transition: The city is required to develop a transition plan for affected workers by April.
• Compensation: Authorities must consider a compensation program for carriage operators.
• Animal Welfare: Specific arrangements must be made for the horses, as the proposal prohibits slaughter.

Reactions and Counterarguments

The vote has drawn mixed responses from public figures and industry representatives:

• US President Donald Trump: Criticized the proposed ban on social media, arguing that carriages are a historic tradition and questioning why cars are permitted in Central Park despite vehicular accidents.
• Transport Workers Union: Representing carriage owners and drivers, the union stated through its attorney, Arthur Schwartz, that it plans to seek a temporary restraining order, arguing the legislation unfairly deprives operators of their property's economic use.

Travel and Transport Context for Visitors

For international travelers planning a trip to New York City, the traditional carriage rides remain operational until the scheduled June 2028 ban takes effect. Visitors should monitor official municipal announcements for updates on transit changes around Central Park.

• Seasonal Considerations: Central Park experiences high pedestrian and tourist traffic throughout the spring and autumn months.
• Verification: Travelers can consult the official City of New York website (nyc.gov) and US travel advisories for verified local updates before planning activities.

*Note: This information is reported based on recent municipal votes and legal filings; safety and entry conditions are subject to change.*