DOGS TO BE ALLOWED ON THE METROLINK DURING A THREE MONTH TRIAL SET TO START IN AUGUST - BUT THERE ARE SOME RULES

A three-month-long pilot to allow dogs on Greater Manchester's Metrolink is set to start on August 1st.

The scheme was part of a pledge by Greater Manchester's Metro Mayor, Andy Burnham's who included it in his manifesto and now it is set to become a reality.

However, there will be rules which those seeking to take their prized pooches onboard must adhere too.

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.

Please keep your dog away from assistance dogs and the disabled boarding points.

Make sure you and your dog board and alight 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.

Mr Burnham said:

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"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."

 

Danny Vaughan, TfGM’s Head of Metrolink, added:

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"A scheme allowing non-assistance dogs on Metrolink was a manifesto commitment made by the mayor and over the past few months, we have worked with KAM to make this happen. 

"While passengers with dogs will be very welcome on Metrolink, please respect other passengers and our staff by keeping your dog under control."

 

Further information on the pilot can be found at https://tfgm.com/dogs.