Non-assistance dogs will not be permitted to travel on the Metrolink network, a meeting of the Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) Committee agreed today.
The full committee followed the recommendation of its Capital Projects and Policy sub-committee, which considered a report on the issue at its meeting last Friday 6 November.
The decision follows a public consultation, in which approximately 2,400 online and Metrolink passenger surveys were completed.
A thorough hazard identification and risk assessment was conducted by TfGM officers and feedback was also considered from assistance dog groups and health groups.
A number of key risks were identified during this process that raised concern over the safety of passengers and welfare of dogs.
The Committee also considered the policies of other light rail networks, train operating companies and Greater Manchester bus companies.
Members opted not to develop a limited trial into the potential for dogs to be carried in a suitable pet carrier or closed basket.
Councillor Andrew Fender, Chair of the TfGM Committee, said: “This is a very emotive issue for a variety of reasons and this decision is certainly not one that has been taken lightly.
“We’ve asked for considerable evidenced-based feedback from officers and listened carefully to Metrolink passengers, dog owners and assistance dog groups and health groups.
“Metrolink operates as a high-frequency, high-volume, unstaffed system and there is no representative available on board to assess the potential risk posed by animals.
“While the vast majority of dog owners are responsible, there is no way to guarantee all dog-owners will ensure their dogs behave appropriately and do not represent a nuisance or, worse still, a risk to passengers.
“At the same time, we also cannot guarantee the welfare and safety of dogs travelling on trams.
“Our primary concern in making this decision has been the continued safe and responsible operation of the Metrolink network, which now carries over 32 million passengers a year.”
The current byelaw concerning the transportation of dogs on trams has existed since Metrolink began operating in 1992 and states that, with the exception of ‘guide dogs’ or any dog or cat being accompanied to the PDSA in Old Trafford, no animals are allowed on the network.
The byelaw wording was recently amended to change “guide dog” to “assistance dogs”.
