Aucklanders will be allowed to take pets on board public transport in the city starting this Sunday, 16 June.
Auckland Transport is starting a pets on trains trial. Photo: Auckland Transport
Following the introduction of transporting pets on buses and trains in Wellington last year, the Auckland Council asked for a trial on trains.
Pets will have to be in a suitable carrier, on an owner's lap or under seats and travel will only be allowed at off-peak times.
The manager of metro services Stacey van der Putten says there are many Aucklanders who may not own a car.
They will be able to take their pets to the vet, or exploring in the city and there will be no extra cost to travel.
There are a few conditions:
- Pets can only board trains at off-peak times and they must be caged and controlled at all times.
- Owners must clean up after their pets before getting off trains.
- Owners can be asked to get off a train if their animal is causing safety risks or a nuisance to other users.
- Entry to board with a pet may be refused if a train is full.
Auckland will review feedback and conduct a survey to check how customers are finding the trial.