Metrolink bosses will reconsider banning dogs on trams during peak times. Plans to permanently allow dogs on trams across Greater Manchester have been endorsed by councillors, but some called for the rules to be 'tightened'.
It comes after a trial allowing dogs on the Metrolink which launched last summer received 'very positive' feedback with almost 80 pc of the 3,500 responses to an online survey about the pilot saying it should continue. The move is set to be made permanent with the decision to be rubber-stamped by the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) at the end of the month.
Councillors on the Metrolink & Rail Sub-Committee endorsed the proposal at a meeting today (January 13), but some raised concerns. Conservative councillor Doreen Dickinson, who chairs the committee, said the rules are 'very loose'.
READ MORE: Metrolink users make same demand after dogs to be allowed on trams permanently
The new rules state that 'busy services must be avoided', but Coun Dickinson questioned whether dogs should be allowed on trams during rush hour at all. She said: "When I've been on trams in rush hour, they are heaving – and it's not fair to the dogs really because they get stressed and they panic a bit.
"I can see an accident waiting to happen at rush hour."
The Tameside councillor also asked who would enforce rules which require owners to clear up any mess dogs make and questioned whether there would be much space left for passengers if bikes are also allowed on trams in the future, saying she received several queries about this. She added: "I'm not saying let's not have dogs on trams, I just think we need to tighten the rules."
Head of Metrolink Danny Vaughan explained that enforcing strict rules would be 'virtually impossible' because there are too few staff to do it. For that reason, the approach has been to keep the new rules as simple as possible.
He also explained that assitance dogs - which, as well as guide dogs, now includes those who are beneficial for a range of disabilities - are already allowed on trams, making it difficult to police which dogs are allowed on. However, he agreed to look at introducing time constraints on pet dogs.
He said: "I'm willing to go away and reconsider that from today."
One councillor raised concerns about 'vicious' dogs on trams, while another suggested that dogs should only be allowed on certain carriages. But Mr Vaughan said this would not work as some trams only have one carriage.
He added: "I'm sure there will be complaints, I'm sure there will be incidents in the future, but we just need to keep on top of it."
The Metrolink boss also explained that Transport for Greater Manchester is in the process of reviewing its policy on allowing bicycles on trams. It comes after mayor Andy Burnham committed to a trial of bikes on trams in 2021.
Read more of today's top stories here.
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