Romanticized in countless films and beloved by tourists, horse-drawn carriage rides through Central Park will come to an end. Starting June 1, 2028, the iconic carriages will be prohibited from operating in the famous New York park, following a city council vote on Thursday, October 22.
The decision closes a bitter, nearly two-decade-long debate between animal welfare advocates and carriage operators. The measure now awaits the signature of Democratic Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who has previously expressed support for the ban while voicing concern for the workers in the industry.
A Transition Period for Drivers
While the ban is a victory for animal rights groups, it raises serious questions about the future of the roughly 150 drivers currently employed in the trade. City Council Speaker Julie Menin explained at a press conference before the vote that the delay before the ban takes effect is intended to help drivers find new employment.
The bill also mandates that the municipal administration study the possibility of a compensation mechanism for license holders, Menin added. The transport workers’ union representing the carriage industry, which has existed since the 19th century, announced on Wednesday, October 21, its intention to challenge the ban in court.
PETA Applauds End of a ‘Despicable Industry’
Animal rights organization PETA, which has pledged $50,000 to fund the care of retired horses, welcomed the decision in a statement, celebrating the end of a “despicable industry.” The legislation stipulates that the more than 160 carriage horses cannot be sold to slaughterhouses or to other carriage operations.
Several proposals to ban the tourist attraction—which ranges in price from $150 for a 45-minute ride to several hundred dollars for a marriage proposal—have been introduced by elected officials over the years.
Safety Concerns and a Fatal Accident
The death of an 18-year-old Indian passenger in an accident in June accelerated the adoption of the measure, following a series of incidents involving carriages and the deaths of horses. The organization responsible for managing Central Park also came out against the carriages for the first time in 2025, citing “safety” concerns for the park’s more than 42 million annual visitors.
The ban also drew a reaction from Donald Trump, a native New Yorker. The U.S. president lamented on his Truth Social network the end of a “quintessential New York City experience” and a “Great Tradition” for “political reasons.”
