← Latest briefing

US News

New York City leaders back bill to ban horse-drawn carriages

Mayor Zohran Mamdani and Council Speaker Julie Menin agreed to back legislation starting June 2028, with a council vote expected October 22.

The short version

  • Mayor Zohran Mamdani and Council Speaker Julie Menin have agreed to back a bill that would ban horse-drawn carriages starting in June 2028.[The Guardian]
  • The renewed push followed the June death of 18-year-old tourist Romanch Mahajan, who died after jumping from a runaway carriage.[Associated Press]
  • The council is expected to vote October 22, and Transport Workers Union international president John Samuelsen says the bill offers no meaningful economic relief for workers.[The Guardian]
  • It is unclear whether Mamdani will sign the bill as written or seek changes first.[The Guardian]

Key facts

  • Mayor Zohran Mamdani and Council Speaker Julie Menin agreed to back a bill making it illegal to operate horse-drawn carriages beginning in June 2028.[The Guardian]
  • The city council is expected to vote on the legislation on October 22.[The Guardian]
  • Romanch Mahajan, an 18-year-old tourist, died in June after jumping from a carriage that had run away.[Associated Press]
  • John Samuelsen, international president of the Transport Workers Union, said the bill gives no meaningful economic relief for workers.[The Guardian]

What remains uncertain

  • It is unclear whether Mamdani will sign the bill as written or seek further changes.[The Guardian]
  • The council vote on October 22 is expected but has not yet occurred, so the date is not confirmed.[The Guardian]

Sources

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.