Horse-drawn carriage rides in New York start at US$150 for 45 minutes, with prices reaching several hundred dollars for marriage proposals. (Reuters pic)NEW YORK: New York's city council on Thursday voted to ban horse-drawn carriages in Central Park, signalling the end of a tourist ritual that's been subject to years of heated debate.
Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who must sign the measure into law, had previously voiced support for such a ban but has also expressed concerns regarding protections for workers in the industry.
If the mayor signs it, the ban will go into effect in June of 2028.
The lead-up is meant to help the approximately 150 active carriage drives find new employment, city council speaker Julie Menin told journalists ahead of the vote.
