NYC carriage drivers appeal to Mayor as industry faces phaseout

One driver voiced frustration, questioning the Mayor’s commitment to working-class individuals and unions, and suggesting he had aligned with wealthy developers. The bill, known as “Romanch’s Law,” was approved by the City Council last month following the death of 18-year-old Romanch Mahajan, who died in July after being thrown from a carriage in Central Park.

The law mandates a phaseout of the 150-year-old industry by summer 2028. A key point of contention is the lack of financial compensation for the approximately 200 drivers, with the city offering only vague promises of job training.

“I’m gonna tell my daughter tonight that in May she’s gonna have to drop out of university after three years,” one driver shared with Mamdani during the hearing. Animal advocates and activists were also present, voicing their support for the ban, which has been driven by concerns over the welfare of the horses, particularly incidents of collapses during hot weather.

Mamdani, who has prioritized support for the working class, indicated he will sign the bill into law by the late-November deadline. He acknowledged the drivers’ concerns, stating he had visited stables and met with those affected.

“I want to emphasize my respect for them, for the work that they do – these are drivers who should not be demonized,” Mamdani said. He pledged to develop a “fair and just” transition plan, though details remain scarce. Medallions, which drivers have invested heavily in – sometimes exceeding $400,000 – function similarly to those used by yellow cabs.

The Transit Workers Union Local 100 has vowed to challenge the law in court immediately following its official enactment. The ban will go into effect on June 1, 2028.