New York City prepares to retire iconic horse-drawn carriage tradition

New York City's famous horse-drawn carriages, which have transported visitors and residents through Central Park and Manhattan's streets for decades, are anticipated to make their final journeys as the city phases out the service. The iconic transport mode, long synonymous with the city's romantic image and tourist attractions, faces discontinuation amid evolving urban priorities and regulatory pressures. City officials have signalled the imminent end of the carriage trade, which has operated in various forms since the 19th century. The transition reflects broader shifts in how major cities approach transportation, animal welfare, and modernisation. Carriage operators and industry advocates have raised concerns about the impact on livelihoods and cultural heritage, while animal rights activists have supported the phase-out. The exact timeline for the complete retirement of horse-drawn carriages remains subject to final municipal determinations and potential negotiations with stakeholders.