Vote sure to have tails and tongues wagging

It might not be just cats and dogs appearing on Wellington’s public transport – guinea pigs, rabbits and even baby goats will all 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 yesterday, 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 off-peak 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.

‘‘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.’’

Councillor Sue Kedgley pointed out all animals would be required to be in a carrier and, therefore, disruption would be limited.

The new rules take effect in Wairarapa, and on the capital’s rail fleet, from April 30. Hutt Valley bus services will begin on June 17.

Ka¯ piti, Porirua and Wellington will allow pets from July 15.

Meanwhile, warranted officers with the power to hand out $150 tickets to fare-dodgers are one step closer to being a reality, with the council’s sustainable transport committee voting unanimously to pass the recommendations.

Public transport planning manager Paul Kos said the new officers would likely be employed directly by the regional council.

It hopes these new moves will help stem the loss of roughly $2.5 million from rail services and $500,000 from buses annually.

Public transport manager Wayne Hastie said the officers would likely be only on trains.