End of the ride? New York moves to ban Central Park horse carriages

New York's city council recently voted to ban horse-drawn carriages in Central Park, marking the conclusion of a contentious debate that has raged for years. Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who must sign the measure into law, had previously shown support for the ban but has also expressed concerns regarding the welfare of workers in the industry. If the mayor signs the bill, the prohibition will take effect in June 2028, according to city council speaker Julie Menin, who informed journalists ahead of the vote.

The Transport Workers Union, representing the affected laborers, has threatened to take legal action. A protracted legislative struggle over the fate of this cultural tradition, nearly as old as Central Park itself, has been ongoing for nearly two decades. Supporters of the ban argue that the animals suffer from incidents such as deadly collapses and dangerous escapes, while opponents emphasize the jobs the carriages provide and the heritage they preserve.

The bill includes provisions for potential compensation for license holders, Menin said, ensuring that owners of nearly 200 horses will not be allowed to sell them for slaughter or for other carriage businesses.

The iconic rides, featured in films and television including scenes from "Barefoot in the Park" and "Sex and the City," currently charge US$150 for a 45-minute ride, with prices soaring to several hundred dollars for marriage proposals. However, after years of disputes, the summer season proved decisive in bringing an end to the Manhattan carriages.

In June, an 18-year-old tourist from India was killed by a horse that broke free and bolted, followed by a series of other incidents involving the carriages. The Central Park Conservancy, which manages the world's most visited urban park with 42 million annual visitors, endorsed the calls for a ban, stating that it had become a matter of public health and safety.