NYC officials reach deal to phase out horse-drawn carriages by 2028

Mayor Zohran Mamdadi and City Council Speaker Julie Menin said on Tuesday they have reached an agreement to phase out horse-drawn carriage operations in New York City, with a vote expected next week on legislation that would prohibit the rides beginning in June 2028. The proposal, renamed "Romanch’s Law" after a teenager who died in a carriage accident, is presented as a public-safety measure.

Carriage operators and industry representatives expressed strong opposition, arguing that the ban threatens long-standing businesses and family incomes. Frank Riccobono, who runs NYC Horse Carriage Rides, said the industry represents a 168-year tradition and that he faces a substantial financial loss after purchasing a medallion for nearly $400,000.

"I am going to take a very, very big loss here and there's no reimbursement in this bill," Riccobono told Fox News Digital.

Riccobono also highlighted personal ties to the horses, describing the animals as akin to family members, and warned that drivers could lose their primary source of income and retirement security.

"My father had medical conditions, my colleagues are on dialysis; they rely on these medallions for income and retirement," he said.

City officials said the transition plan will include assistance for the roughly 200 drivers affected. Mamdadi emphasized the need to avoid leaving workers without support.

"We have a civic responsibility to ensure that we are not leaving anybody out to dry," Mamdadi told reporters.

Transport Workers Union Local 100 shop steward Christina Hansen said drivers have not yet received direct communication from the mayor's office and feel marginalized.

"The only cruelty in the New York City carriage industry has always been the way that the people in it are treated," Hansen said.

Council Speaker Menin indicated that a working group will be formed with labor representatives to develop protections for displaced workers.

"Through thoughtful conversations with labor and other stakeholders, the Council developed a framework to ensure better economic opportunities for these New Yorkers," a spokesperson said.

Animal-rights groups have long criticized the industry for alleged mistreatment of horses, citing incidents of horses collapsing or escaping onto traffic. The city plans to relocate the animals to rescues or sanctuaries, though advocates warn that existing facilities lack sufficient funding to care for additional horses.

"There's no funding from the city to ensure the horses' retirement," Hansen added.

The proposal follows earlier attempts by former mayor Bill de Blasio to ban carriage rides, which did not pass. Drivers say they will continue to challenge the legislation, describing it as unconstitutional.