Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) are expected to announce that dogs will finally be able to travel on Metrolink trams permanently in the wake of a successful three-month trial pilot scheme between August and October last year.
As thorough deliberation between Manchester Council and TfGM continues throughout the week, Greater Manchester’s Metrolink and Rail Sub-Committee are preparing to make their final decision on Fri 13 Jan, after revealing that public response to the 2022 trial period has been ‘largely positive’.
While a number of concerns were raised, including allergies, carriage space and risk of attack, TfGM executives are due to conclude that a combination of mitigating on-board policies – passenger reminders, a maximum of two dogs per person and encouragement to avoid busier services – and a reasonable expectation of responsible ownership will prevent significant issues.
The anticipated move follows an online survey of 3,500 Metrolink users in which over 80% of dog owners supported a permanent policy change, while 50% of non-owners also backed the initiative.
Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, said: “He said: “As we build towards our Bee Network vision, we wanted to ensure that our integrated public transport system is as accessible as possible. I committed to a pilot allowing non-assistance dogs on Metrolink when I was re-elected in 2021, and I’m delighted that TfGM and KAM (Metrolink operator Keolis Amey Metrolink) worked together to make it a reality.
“This important decision also wouldn’t have been possible without the vital feedback gained from our travelling public. By bringing Metrolink in line with other modes of public transport in the region which allow non-assistance dogs on their services, this is yet another step forward to providing the truly inclusive public transport network that the people of Greater Manchester deserve.”
For more information, click here.
- Words:
- Wolf McFarlane
- Published on:
- Tue 10 Jan 2023
