New York City votes to ban horse carriages, with phaseout in 2028
The council's vote sets an end date for a longstanding tourist attraction, while carriage drivers face an uncertain future and their union promises a legal challenge.
By Hushread Stories, from 10 outlets · First published 22 Oct 2026
In brief
- New York City Council voted on October 22 to ban horse carriages, ending a longstanding tourist tradition.
- The industry is set to be phased out in 2028, rather than closing immediately after the vote.
- The measure immediately suspends new licenses, putting the carriage industry on a path toward closure.
- Animal welfare campaigners have long opposed the carriages, which have operated in Central Park for over 150 years.
- The carriage union has pledged to sue the city, while drivers fear for their future.
Timeline · 4 moments
Approved legislation immediately suspends issuance of new licenses
Infobae ↗Council approves carriage ban with phaseout set for 2028
USA TODAY ↗Trump expresses sadness over anticipated end of carriages
The Hill ↗Council prepares to vote on Central Park carriage ban
CNN Brasil ↗How it started
Horse-drawn carriages have travelled through Central Park for more than 150 years. They became a familiar tourist attraction, but also a longstanding target for animal welfare campaigners, according to The Independent.
The debate also carried a public safety concern. Forbes reported that the council vote followed a teenager's death involving a runaway horse over the summer.
How it unfolded
On October 22, the council was preparing to vote on legislation prohibiting horse-drawn carriages in Central Park and its surroundings, CNN Brasil reported. At that stage, passage was still being described as pending.
President Trump expressed sadness about the anticipated end of the carriages on October 22, according to The Hill. That report also preceded the council's decision.
Later coverage confirmed that the vote had taken place. USA TODAY reported that the council approved the ban on October 22, with a phaseout set for 2028. Politico described the vote as overwhelming and a victory for animal rights activists.
The legislation also suspends the issuing of new licenses immediately, according to Infobae. The carriage union responded by pledging to sue the city, New York Post reported.
Where it stands
The ban is now approved, not merely awaiting a council vote. The earlier reports describing a forthcoming decision were overtaken by confirmation of passage from USA TODAY and Politico.
Approval does not mean the carriages disappear immediately: USA TODAY places the phaseout in 2028. Meanwhile, drivers fear for their future, according to The Globe and Mail, and the union's promised lawsuit leaves a legal fight pending.
What to watch
The next concrete question is whether the carriage union files its promised lawsuit and seeks to halt or change the ban. New York Post reports a pledge to sue, not a court ruling.
The transition for drivers also remains an open issue. The coverage describes their concerns but does not establish what employment support they will receive before the 2028 phaseout reported by USA TODAY.
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