Auckland Transport has announced that it will allow Aucklanders' furry and feathered friends on trains and station platforms from this Sunday, 16 June.
Following the introduction of transporting pets on public transport in Wellington last year, Auckland Council requested a trial be implemented in Auckland.
Auckland Transport surveyed customers and most supported allowing pets on public transport, as long as the pets are always kept under control.
Pets will have to be enclosed in suitable pet carriers that can be put on the owner’s lap or placed under the seat. Travel will only be allowed at off-peak times.
Making transport more accessible
Stacey van der Putten, Group Manager of Metro Services says the trial is one of the steps AT is taking to make public transport more accessible.
“There are many Aucklanders that may not have access to a vehicle to take their pet to the vet or for when they want to explore the city, this will potentially benefit both the owners and the pets.”
Councillor Cathy Casey, who has been a long time advocate for pets on trains says this is an excellent first step towards normalising pets on all public transport.
“It is good news for the owners of Auckland's 103,000 registered dogs.
"Our pets are an integral part of our lives and I am very pleased that we can now travel with them on off-peak trains across the region. I expect the trial to be a howling success."
Auckland Transport will review all feedback and conduct a survey to check how customers are finding the trial which will help determine the final policy at a later date.
Details and Conditions
- Pets can only board trains at off-peak times (9am-3pm & 6.30pm – end of service on weekdays, and all day weekends and public holidays).
- Domestic pets are to be enclosed in a suitable pet carrier that is small enough to be stored securely under the seat or held on the passenger’s lap.
- Passengers travelling with domestic pets are responsible for their pet and must keep them caged and under control at stations, getting on or off the train, and while onboard trains.
- Passengers travelling with domestic pets are responsible for all pet mess and must ensure that any pet mess is cleaned up before they exit the train.
- Passengers may be refused entry to board the train if the train is crowded.
- Passengers may be asked to leave the train with their domestic pet if the animal is causing or likely to cause a safety risk or nuisance to other customers.
- Domestic pets travel free of charge on our services.
