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

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.

“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.

“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.

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.

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.

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.

“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