Since it launched way back in 1992, Manchester’s Metrolink has never allowed dogs on board, a rule which has often been a point of contention amongst Mancunians.
Despite dogs already being allowed on trains and buses in the region, to date, only assistance dogs have been allowed to ride on the trams, after previous attempts to revisit the rules proved unsuccessful.
However, a new pilot scheme came to light earlier this year, after Mayor Andy Burnham included the subject as one of his key manifesto pledges.
At the time, Danny Vaughan, TfGM’s Head of Metrolink, said: “A pilot scheme allowing non-assistance dogs on Metrolink was a manifesto commitment made by Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham, and we are currently working with the mayor’s office to explore the possibility of running a pilot scheme on the tram network later this year.
“The details of the pilot, such as when it will take place and for how long, have yet to be confirmed, but further information will be released when these details have been finalised.”
The Mayor has now offered an update after being asked about the scheme’s progress on Twitter, revealing that the trial would begin in early August.
Dogs on trams trial starts next month!
— Andy Burnham (@AndyBurnhamGM) July 20, 2022
Early August 👍🏻👍🏻
— Andy Burnham (@AndyBurnhamGM) July 20, 2022
It’s not yet clear how long the trial will last, but it does seem things are moving forward with the idea…
- Words:
- Bradley Lengden
- Published on:
- Thu 21 Jul 2022
