Dogs will be able to travel on Manchester Metrolink – if accompanied by their responsible owner! – from Monday 1st August as part of a three month pilot. Long-called for by many locals in Greater Manchester, the idea of a pilot was part of Andy Burnham’s most recent election manifesto.
Andy Burnham said: “We want the Bee Network to work for everybody and for public transport to be as accessible as possible. A pilot scheme allowing non-assistance dogs on Metrolink was one of the pledges I made when I was re-elected as mayor, and I want to thank Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) and KeolisAmey Metrolink (KAM) for working together to make this a reality. I would now urge everyone who uses Metrolink during this period, including dog owners and those without dogs, to take part in the survey to provide us with the valuable insight we need to inform whether or not we make this permanent.”
Dogs will be able to travel for free but there are a number of rules which should be adhered to:
- Metrolink will allow a maximum of two well-behaved dogs per passenger without charge, but you will be liable for their behaviour.
- Dogs must always be kept on a short lead and under control at all times. They will need to be able to listen to your commands and travel without bothering other passengers.
- Your dog is your responsibility. If your dog is involved in an incident concerning another passenger or member of the public, you will be liable.
- Make sure you and your dog get on and off the tram together — be wary of trapping the lead in the door.
- If your dog makes a mess on the tram, stop or anywhere on the network, you will need to clean it up and inform a member of staff where possible.
- Dogs are not allowed on seats while travelling on the tram.
- Do not let your dog sit under the seats as there are heaters and other systems which could harm them.
- Be considerate of others on the Metrolink network who may be frightened of dogs, or who may be allergic to dog hair.
- Be aware of your dog’s needs. Bring water and treats for your dog if you need to, but also make sure you have poo bags and wipes so that you can clean up after any mess your dog makes, on or off the tram.
- Please keep your dog away from assistance dogs and the disabled boarding points.
- You should avoid being in the wheelchair space on the tram and must move out of this space if a wheelchair or pram user needs it.
The pilot will last for three months until 31st October. After this a decision will be made on whether to continue to allow dogs on the trams or to reintroduce a ban. A survey will be posted online once the pilot gets underway looking for views of those who travel on Metrolink.
- More information on the pilot is available at https://tfgm.com/dogs-on-trams