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A three-month trial allowing dogs on the Metrolink is officially starting next month

It's the first time in the Metrolink's 30-year history that dogs will be allowed on the trams.

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant - 21st July 2022

Pet dogs will be allowed on Metrolink for the first time ever as part of a three-month pilot that’s launching next month.

It’s long been a talking point of Manchester dog owners and it was even teased to be happening earlier this year, but now finally, in less than two weeks time, a new scheme – which was a manifesto pledge made by Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham – will be delivered by Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) and operator Keolis Amey Metrolink (KAM) to finally let our four-legged friends travel on the tram with us.

It’s the first time in the Metrolink’s 30-year history that dogs will be allowed on the trams.

From Monday 1 August, all non-assistance dogs will officially be allowed to travel on the network for free – but they will need to be kept of leads, and TfGM says dog owners using the tram will need to follow new rules on safety, cleanliness, and the consideration of others.

To help decide if the scheme should be extended or made permanent, all Metrolink passengers – including those without dogs – are being urged to share their views and experiences during the pilot.

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“We want the Bee Network to work for everybody and for public transport to be as accessible as possible,” Mayor Andy Burnham said ahead of the pilot.

Pet dogs will be allowed on Metrolink from 1 August as part of a three-month pilot / Credit: TfGM

“Running 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 TfGM and KAM for working together to make this a reality.

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Read more: Metrolink to run pilot letting dogs on trams for the first time since 1992

“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.”

TfGM says that throughout the pilot period, passengers bringing their dogs onto trams will be expected to adhere to new guidance.

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The rules are:

  • 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.
  • 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, and 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.
It’s the first time in the Metrolink’s 30-year history that dogs will be allowed on the trams / Credit: Northern

A survey for all Metrolink users to have their say will be made available on the TfGM website when the scheme launches.

A decision on whether dogs will be allowed on trams on a permanent basis will depend on feedback.

Read more: Why can’t my dog travel on the Metrolink?

Ahead of the scheme launching in a couple of weeks, Danny Vaughan – Head of Metrolink at TfGM – said: “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.

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

You can find out more about the pilot on the Metrolink website here.

Featured Image – Blue Cross

News

Wigan Warriors legend Billy Boston has become rugby league’s first knight

Danny Jones Danny Jones Billy Boston first knight in rugby league history

The beloved Billy Boston, the definition of a Wigan Warriors legend, has been given the first knighthood in rugby league history.

A Welsh hero as well, the former professional was a pioneering force for black players in the UK during the mid-20th century, representing both Wigan and Great Britain, with over 500 competitive appearances, primarily as a winger.

Having scored an unprecedented total of 478 tries in 487 games for the Warriors (571 in his entire career), he remains not just one of their greatest icons but one of the most influential rugby league players of all time.

With that in mind, while it may have been long overdue, Boston was made a knight prior to the King’s birthday and before the honours list was even officially announced.

Now 90 years old, an exception was made for the Cardiff-born ex-pro due to growing concerns over his health; moreover, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer dubbed it a “historic wrong that a sport which is the backbone of so many communities has waited so long to receive this honour.”

Since it’s taken a total of 130 years for someone from the discipline, we tend to agree.

Boston was sadly diagnosed with vascular dementia back in 2016 at the age of 82 – a disease that is being increasingly studied across rugby, given the contact sport’s strong connection to conditions like CTE (Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy).

Head coach and fellow record-breaker, Matt Peet, wrote in a statement via the club: “Not just for Billy or Wigan, but for rugby league to get its first knighthood is great news. He’s an iconic figure and name in our Club, and he’s certainly part of the team at Wigan.

“He has a huge presence, and he’s just a really warm character. I’d just describe him as a gentleman, very humble, always up for a laugh, and he’s been very supportive since we’ve been in position.”

Echoing his sentiment, Wigan Warriors‘ chairman, Chris Brookes, said, “I am absolutely delighted and so happy that Billy – and rugby league – has finally received the ultimate recognition his stellar career deserves”, with club CEO Kris Radlinski going on to to add: “He’s a cultural icon in rugby league.”

Unsurprisingly, WRL (the nation’s official governing body) joined the flood of individuals and organisations in celebrating the groundbreaking sporting great, writing: “The boy from Tiger Bay who became a Knight. A very proud day for Billy, his family and Wales Rugby League.”

Congratulations to a local legend who paved the way for generations of future rugby stars.

It’s been a special few days for the Greater Manchester side as their women’s team also made some history of their own this past weekend.

Wigan Warriors make history with first-ever Women’s Challenge Cup win
As well as a knighthood for Billy Boston, the Warriors have also seen their first female Challenge Cup champions.

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Featured Images — Royal Family/Sionk (via Wikimedia Commons)

News

Thunderstorms and ‘intense downpours’ forecast to hit the UK from this evening

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant Man walking in rain

The UK could be set for thunderstorms and heavy rain this week.

It’s been far from settled conditions across UK in recent days, with Greater Manchester and the North West receiving its fair share of heavy rain showers, but now the Met Office is predicting that warm air from the continent will drive temperatures up later this week, and with that comes the chance of thunderstorms.

A plume of warm air moving in from the south is set to drive a change to the weather later this week, weather forecasters predict.

While rain and showers across the northern half of the UK eased on on Monday night, leaving us with a drier day and spells of sunshine in the afternoon yesterday, things could be about to take a turn for the worst once this evening rolls around.

The Met Office does admit that today will be a ‘largely fine and dry day’ for much of the UK, with only certain parts appearing cloudy, the North West not included that, but as the evening begins to set in, so does the potential heavy and thundery showers, predicted to move in through the evening and overnight from the south west.

Alarmingly, some western areas could see 20-40mm of rain fall in just a few hours as these intense downpours move through to the North East.

There could ‘frequent lightning’ for some areas too.

Double weather warning issued for Greater Manchester today
Thunderstorms and ‘intense downpours’ are forecast to hit the UK from this evening / Credit: The Manc Group

While there are no severe weather warnings issued at the moment, it is possible thunderstorm warnings may be issued this week, the Met Office has hinted, so you may want to keep your eyes peeled.

“After largely benign weather early in the week, some intense, thundery showers will move in on Wednesday evening,” commented the Met Office’s Deputy Chief Meteorologist, Mike Silverstone.

“These thunderstorms are being triggered by some warm, humid air that is moving into the UK from the South, and intense rainfall could see 20-40mm accumulating over just a few hours, which could cause some disruption too.”

Think that’s the end of the thunderstorms for the week? Think again.

Once that batch moves North through Thursday, leaving more settled weather for a time through Friday for most, another band of thunderstorms moves in again later on Friday evening, apparently bringing ‘further intense rainfall’ into the early hours of Saturday.

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By the end of the weekend though, it’s predicted that the ‘humid and thundery airmass’ will be displaced by ‘fresher’ and ‘generally more settled conditions’ spreading east across the UK. 

Featured Image – Wikimedia Commons

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