More than 20,000 people have signed a petition calling for dog-friendly carriages on NSW trains and Metro services, meaning the proposal will be eligible for debate in NSW Parliament.
The petition is calling for a two-year trial that would allow dogs in designated carriages, under conditions such as keeping them on leads or in approved carriers.
Transport for NSW said it is aware of the petition, but pets are currently not allowed at stations or on Sydney Trains and Metro networks.
Here’s what you need to know.
Current rules
Pets are currently not allowed on NSW trains, Metro services or at stations.
They can travel on buses, ferries and light rail, provided they are secured in a box, basket or other container.
These restrictions don’t apply to accredited assistance animals, such as guide dogs, which are permitted across NSW public transport.
In Victoria, dogs can travel on metropolitan trains.
Other cities, including London, Paris, Berlin, Amsterdam and Auckland, also allow dogs on trains under certain conditions.
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Proposal
The petition argues the ban forces dog owners “to rely on private cars” to take their pets to vets, parks and other destinations, increasing congestion, parking demand and emissions.
It proposes a two-year trial of one clearly marked, pet-friendly carriage on every train and Metro service.
Under the proposal, dogs would need to be kept on a lead or in an approved carrier.
Transport staff could also remove disruptive animals or owners from services.
Response
Online petitions with more than 20,000 signatures are automatically scheduled for debate in the NSW Legislative Assembly.
At the time of posting, the petition had 20,583 signatures.
Independent MP Alex Greenwich, who first presented the petition, told TDA he looks forward “to working with the government to now make this possible”.
A Transport for NSW spokesperson said the agency is “aware of the petition currently open, and welcomes community feedback”.
