Aucklanders will be allowed to take pets on board public transport in the city starting this Sunday, 16 June.
Following the introduction of transporting pets on buses and trains in Wellington last year, the Auckland Council asked for a trial on trains.
Pets will have to be in a suitable carrier, on an owner's lap or under seats and travel will only be allowed at off-peak times.
The manager of metro services Stacey van der Putten says there are many Aucklanders who may not own a car.
They will be able to take their pets to the vet, or exploring in the city and there will be no extra cost to travel.
There are a few conditions:
- Pets can only board trains at off-peak times and they must be caged and controlled at all times.
- Owners must clean up after their pets before getting off trains.
- Owners can be asked to get off a train if their animal is causing safety risks or a nuisance to other users.
- Entry to board with a pet may be refused if a train is full.
Auckland will review feedback and conduct a survey to check how customers are finding the trial.
Paw-some news! From Sunday 16 June, pets will be allowed on trains in off-peak travel and on weekends as part of a new trial: https://t.co/t4puUS3T6A pic.twitter.com/MVzVkdhvjy
— Auckland Transport (@AklTransport) June 11, 2019