MTR to relax pet restrictions; report suggests people and pets will be allowed to travel together this year

Currently, except for guide dogs, passengers are prohibited from bringing pets on the MTR and franchised buses. It is reported that the MTR is studying to amend the law to relax it and allow pets to take the railway, and a plan is expected to be available as early as the first half of this year.

Many reports, including those from Wen Wei Po, Ming Pao, Sing Tao Daily and Hong Kong 01, pointed out that the MTR Corporation is actively studying the relaxation of restrictions on passengers bringing pets on board and plans to introduce pet-friendly measures to respond to the growing pet travel needs of citizens.

According to sources, the MTR is inclined to use the Light Rail as a pilot to implement the relevant measures first. The measures will be implemented on the Light Rail in May and will be implemented on all MTR lines in July after accumulating experience. Passengers can bring one cat or dog on weekends and holidays, while other pets such as rabbits, rodents, birds and reptiles are still prohibited for the time being. Pets must be placed in pet bags according to the luggage rules and are only allowed to ride on the tail card of each train. To balance the needs of pet owners and other passengers, restrictions will be set during the initial trial: (i) Passengers must use appropriate pet cages or bags; (ii) Pets must wear masks or similar devices to ensure hygiene and safety; and (iii) Each passenger is limited to one pet to avoid overcrowding in carriages.

Currently, Taiwan, Japan, and London, UK all have railways that allow pets to ride. Legislative Council member Zhang Xinyu believes that pets riding on the railway does not impose a large burden on operations and safety, and the biggest challenge is the public's acceptance. For the convenience of management, MTR can consider limiting the size of pets and whether pet cars are required, but should not charge extra fees, otherwise it will only make operations more complicated. Legislative Council member Tian Beichen suggested that if the MTR trial is positive, it can be expanded to buses, and pet passengers can be considered to be required to sit on the lower level for separation.

Last year, Kowloon Motor Bus piloted the "Pet Bus" service in the form of a chartered bus, which was quite popular among pet owners. Ferry services are more relaxed, with nearly 80% of routes allowing pets to be brought on board. If the MTR successfully implements the new measure, it will provide pet owners with more travel options.

Currently, the MTR and franchised buses are regulated by the Hong Kong Railway By-laws and the Public Bus Services Ordinance respectively. Passengers are not allowed to bring animals on board except guide dogs. Violators may be fined HK$5,000 and imprisoned for 6 months.

World Dog Alliance has been looking forward to relevant measures for many years and is pleased to see progress. We hope that the authorities will conduct more trials and take the lead in publicity and education so that a harmonious society where people and pets can coexist can be realized as soon as possible!