A group of horse-drawn carriage drivers gathered in Central Park on Friday to protest New York City’s plan to phase out the industry by 2028, raising concerns about job loss and lack of compensation. The rally, held near the park’s 59th Street and 7th Avenue entrance, was led by nine union members who accused Mayor Mamdani of hypocrisy for supporting taxi medallion owners in the past while now overseeing legislation that threatens their livelihoods.

The drivers, represented by TWU Local 100, argued the city’s proposed ban, known as Romanch’s Law, would devastate their businesses and families without guaranteeing financial reimbursement. Atakan Aktay, a driver with 13 years of experience, said he invested his entire life savings into his carriage business and criticized the mayor for championing one group of workers while disregarding another. “We are not asking for special treatment. We are asking for fairness, dignity, and justice,” Aktay stated, emphasizing the union’s intention to resist the ban.

The legislation, named after Romanch Mahajan, an 18-year-old who died in a carriage accident in June, would outlaw horse-drawn carriages across all five boroughs starting in June 2028. While it mandates the creation of a workforce transition program, including career counseling and job placement assistance, it does not provide direct compensation for carriage owners or drivers who have heavily invested in the industry.

Cristina Hansen, a TWU shop steward and carriage driver, described the city’s plan as incomplete and lacking necessary funding or legislative backing. Hansen also criticized City Council Speaker Julie Menin for remaining silent on the issue until after Mahajan’s death. Menin has pledged to pass the bill next week, but a spokesperson indicated she intends to continue dialogue with the TWU going forward.

City Hall confirmed that the Mamdani administration is developing a detailed transition plan for affected workers and the carriage industry, and has initiated discussions about possible compensation for medallion holders. However, concerned drivers maintain that these efforts have yet to adequately address their financial losses or secure a fair resolution.

The dispute highlights ongoing tensions between preservation of historic city traditions and evolving public safety and animal welfare concerns, with the horse-drawn carriage industry caught amid broader debates over urban transportation and labor rights.