Pets OK on capital’s buses, trains
It might not just be cats and dogs appearing on public transport in Wellington – guinea pigs, rabbits, and even baby goats will get a ticket to ride.
The decision to allow domestic pets on buses and trains was passed by Greater Wellington Regional Council’s sustainable transport committee on Wednesday, with the new rules to be rolled out by mid-july.
Committee chairwoman Barbara Donaldson said that, under the new policy, any animal that could be considered a domestic pet would be allowed on offpeak services for free – provided they were in a suitable carrier that could fit in the luggage areas or on the owner’s lap.
The only dissenting voice among the councillors was Dave Ogden, who read an email from a resident.
‘‘Yes, there are cute handbag dogs ... but yes, they will poo on the bus, yes they will bark on the bus, yes they will run around the bus, they will pee on the bus – someone will get bitten,’’ Ogden said.
‘‘Who is going to say which dog goes on? The poor bus driver?
‘‘He has enough problems as it is,’’ Ogden said.
Councillor Sue Kedgley pointed out all animals would be required to be in a carrier, and therefore disruption would be limited.
She had seen pets on public transport overseas, and it was time for Wellington to join them.
Donaldson said the council was ‘‘normalising’’ public transport by allowing pets to accompany their owners in their everyday lives.
Disability assistance dogs will still be allowed to travel on all public transport without a cage, provided they are seated on the floor.