Transport Workers Union Threatens Lawsuit Over Central Park Carriage Ban
The Transport Workers Union plans to challenge a New York City Council bill that would ban horse-drawn carriages by June 2028.
The New York City Council is scheduled to vote on October 22, 2026, on legislation known as Romanch's Law, which would phase out the city's horse-drawn carriage industry by June 2028. The bill, named after 18-year-old Romanch Mahajan who died after falling from a carriage in Central Park in June, would immediately stop the issuance of new licenses and outlaw the industry once existing licenses expire.
Transport Workers Union of America has threatened to seek a temporary restraining order and file a federal lawsuit to block the measure. Union attorneys argue the ban violates the Fifth Amendment by seizing property—including city-issued medallions and licenses—without just compensation. Union leadership has characterized the bill as theft and anti-worker, claiming it would financially crush blue-collar drivers and immigrant-owned family businesses.
Mayor Zohran Mamdani and Council Speaker Julie Menin support the legislation, with Menin stating the bill includes a framework for worker transition and economic opportunities. The proposal also mandates the humane disposition of horses to prevent them from being sold for slaughter. While supporters expect the bill to pass with at least 29 votes, Councilmember Joann Ariola recently withdrew her support, citing a lack of concrete consideration for the livelihoods of carriage drivers.
