A largely positive response to an ongoing trial period of allowing pet dogs on board trams has been reported by Metrolink bosses, the Manchester Evening News can reveal. Transport bosses have revealed only 'a few' reports of dog poo on Metrolink platforms have been received, with a single case happening on board a tram.
All passengers - dog owners and those who use trams but don't have dogs - are being asked to share their experiences in a survey to help decide whether the scheme should be either extended or made permanent. As reported by the M.E.N., pet dogs are currently allowed on board Metrolink trams as part of a three-month trial which started on August 1 and is due to finish on October 31.
The trial means people's pooches will get to ride supervised for the first time in the network's 30-year history. Dogs must be kept on short leads - and there will be no extra travel charge for passengers with them.
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The scheme, a manifesto pledge made by Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham, is being delivered by Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) and tram operator Keolis Amey Metrolink (KAM).
The pilot allows passengers to take up to two non-assistance dogs on Metrolink at any time of the day subject to guidance regarding safety, behaviour, cleanliness and consideration of other passengers.
The M.E.N. took to the trams to hear from passengers as the pilot started.
Now transport bosses have said that 'overall' so far, the survey 'has seen a positive response to allowing dogs on trams'. But there have been some 'concerns', specifically around allergies and dog behaviour - including persistent barking. Feedback over dogs taking up seats and space on board trams has also been reported as part of the survey.
The response so far was revealed in a report by Danny Vaughan, head of Metrolink for TfGM, which was due to have been considered at a meeting today that was cancelled as the nation mourns the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
The report reveals 80 per cent of people who have responded to the survey have not experienced or witnessed a problem with pet dogs during the pilot. Media coverage, it adds, as also been largely positive in terms of 'sentiment'.
A total of 495 tweets on the subject have been received by the Metrolink Twitter account - @MCRMetrolink - with the majority positive. TfGM said its Twitter account - @OfficialTfGM - has received 488 tweets 'split broadly 50/50 positive/negative'.
"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," said Mr Vaughan's report.
"A survey allowing all Metrolink users to have their say is available on the TfGM website and the outcome of the pilot depends on feedback received.
"Various groups have been involved in the pilot design to ensure a broad range of views is heard. We will continue this engagement during the pilot period to seek further feedback. Impacts on service reliability, cleaning requirements and operating costs are being monitored by TfGM and KAM.
"Overall, the survey has seen a positive response to allowing dogs on trams, but concerns around allergies, dog behaviour - including persistent barking, and dogs taking up seats and space on the tram have been reported.
"To date KAM have reported no incidents affecting service or safety. There have been a few reports of dog mess on the platforms and one onboard." A full update is expected to be provided at the end of the pilot period.
Dogs are currently allowed on trains and buses in Greater Manchester but not on trams, apart from assistance dogs.
Previous attempts at allowing dogs on the Metrolink have not succeeded - in 2015, TfGM carried out a series of customer surveys and a public consultation to gauge Metrolink users' thoughts on the issue. The Transport for Greater Manchester Committee (TfGMC) concluded that non-assistance dogs would not be allowed to travel on the Metrolink, citing 'key risks' that raised concern over the safety of passengers and welfare of dogs.
Dogs on trams - the trial's rules:
· 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. They will need to be able to listen to your commands and travel without bothering other passengers.
· 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 – 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.
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