Horse Carriage Drivers Feel Abandoned by NYC Officials

Horse-drawn carriage drivers in Central Park expressed feelings of betrayal and neglect on Wednesday after Mayor Zohran Mamdani and City Council Speaker Julie Menin reached an agreement to prohibit the traditional practice.

Several small business owners are worried about their future, as the legislation does not outline what will happen to the 200 carriage drivers and their horses. “I feel pretty betrayed. We were told the bill would get amended to actually help us drivers and horses. It was not,” remarked Jill Adamski, 39, while working with her horse, Scout.

“I’m concerned. I don’t know how to earn enough to take care of my horses. I have a bond with them, and they don’t want to be separated from me,” she added.

Adamski, who has spent a decade in the industry and invested “thousands” into her career, fears that finding another job in the equine world—or really any work at all—will be a struggle. “I have no idea how I’m gonna really live. I’m assuming I’ll live off savings for a while and, eventually… probably be homeless. I don’t have a plan,” she said.

As part of the approximately 200 carriage drivers, owners, and stable workers, Adamski faces the possibility of unemployment if the legislation, known as Romanch’s Law, passes next week. This law, named after a tourist who tragically died in a carriage incident, would ban horse-drawn carriages in New York City starting June 2028.

Animal rights advocates have long sought to end the practice, and the momentum increased following the June death of 18-year-old Romanch Mahajan. The current proposal includes vague assurances about sending the 160 horses to rescue farms and sanctuaries.

While the bill mandates the creation of a workforce transition program for drivers and stable workers, it lacks provisions for compensation. Many have invested substantial amounts into their businesses, a fact highlighted by their union.

When asked about the future of carriage drivers, Mayor Mamdani kept his comments vague, merely stating, “We are not leaving anybody out to dry.” He mentioned that discussions are ongoing regarding how to support the workforce impacted by the forthcoming changes.

However, many in the carriage industry feel excluded from the conversation, expressing disappointment in their treatment. “We are really upset about the ban. I love my work, I love horses, I love Central Park, I love people,” said Emrah Eogru, a 48-year-old immigrant from Turkey who has worked as a cab driver for four years.

Similarly, Tony Moran, 63, lamented that drivers have been left in the dark regarding the details of the bill, despite his 40 years of dedication to the work. “Politicians are dirty people,” another driver stated privately while guiding tourists around Central Park.

Another driver questioned the fairness of the ban: “Why do you have to take my job now? Just because someone died? How many people get hit in the street? Are you going to ban that?”

Another worker, who also asked to remain anonymous, voiced frustration over the lack of negotiation and support: “I’m not educated. I’m not skilled to do another job. City council members said, ‘We’re going to give you another job’… they lie.”

The Transport Workers Union (TWU) has pledged to challenge the legislation ahead of the council vote scheduled for October 22, arguing that the bill poses economic dangers and accusing Speaker Menin of exploiting the tragic incident to create a false narrative of public safety. “Speaker Menin’s bill doesn’t offer any meaningful economic support for workers. It only suggests a weak plan for transition,” TWU President John Samuelsen stated, criticizing the approach to the situation.

“This is disgraceful political opportunism. This entire situation is reprehensible,” he concluded.