New York City’s horse-drawn carriage industry is set to come to an end in June 2028 after the City Council voted 40-7 on Thursday to approve a citywide ban, with two members abstaining. The decision ends a tradition dating back more than 150 years, despite opposition from carriage workers and a last-minute effort to postpone the ban until 2030.

The legislation follows years of debate over the treatment and safety of carriage horses, including incidents in which horses collapsed or died during extreme heat. The issue gained renewed attention after 18-year-old tourist Romanch Mahajan died this summer when a startled horse reportedly bolted, throwing him from a carriage. The measure has been named “Romanch’s Law” in his memory.

Mayor Zohran Mamdani and City Council Speaker Julie Menin backed ending the industry, pointing to safety concerns. Supporters of the ban say the horses should no longer be required to work in busy city streets.

Carriage industry workers, however, warn that the decision could devastate their livelihoods. Approximately 200 drivers could be affected, many of whom have invested years of work and personal savings into their businesses. The legislation offers general commitments to job training but does not establish a specific compensation plan for those losing their businesses.

Transport Workers Union President John Samuelsen sharply criticized the measure, arguing that it threatens workers’ jobs, licenses and city-issued medallions without adequate protections. Industry representatives have also raised the possibility of legal action, while questioning why carriage drivers are being targeted as other forms of commercial transportation continue operating on city streets.

The future of the horses remains another unresolved issue. Animal welfare advocates have proposed relocating them to sanctuaries and rescue farms, and NYCLASS, a leading organization campaigning against horse-drawn carriages, welcomed the council’s decision and said it would work with city officials to secure safe retirement arrangements for the animals.

The ban is scheduled to take effect June 1, 2028, setting the stage for a transition that will affect both the horses and the workers whose livelihoods depend on the industry.