Starting May 1, Hong Kong's MTR Corporation will launch a two-month trial program allowing pet owners to bring their cats and dogs on the Light Rail during weekends and public holidays. This "Cat/Dog Carrying Trial Scheme" initiative has strict guidelines to ensure smooth operations and minimize disruptions to other passengers.
Under the scheme, all pets must be fully enclosed in a designated carrier throughout the journey. The carrier's total length, width, and height must not exceed 170 cm, meaning large pets are prohibited. Additionally, only cats and dogs are permitted, and no other types of pets are included in the trial.
Avis, the Executive Director of Paws Hero, welcomed the initiative during a radio interview on March 26. However, she urged pet owners to follow the Light Rail's regulations carefully to ensure the trial's success.
She emphasized that pet carriers must always remain fully closed, warning owners not to unzip them to let their pets poke their heads out, even if only for a moment. Avis also discouraged passengers from breaking the rules just to take photos for social media, reminding them that responsible behavior will help demonstrate that pet-friendly transport is feasible.
"Pet owners should set a good example," she said. "We need to show the public that traveling with animals is not a disruptive or chaotic experience."
Additionally, Avis reminded pet owners to consider whether their pets are suited for crowded public areas before bringing them on board. If faced with rude behavior from other passengers, she advised owners to stay calm and avoid confrontation.
While some have criticized the plan for being too restrictive, Avis urged the public to appreciate this first step and prove that pet-friendly policies can work.
"We can't expect major changes overnight. The MTR is giving us this chance—can we all do our part so the policy can gradually expand?"
She also encouraged owners to be considerate by taking measures such as using pet diapers to prevent accidents. Additionally, she called on the MTR Corporation to clarify specific details of the scheme further.
Key Rules of the "Cat/Dog Carrying Trial Scheme"
To ensure the smooth operation of the trial, the MTR has established several important rules:
- Passengers wishing to bring their cats/dogs on the Light Rail must purchase a “Cat/Dog Carrying Pass”. Each pass-holder can only carry one cat/dog per ride, and this pass is valid only on weekends and public holidays; Pets other than cats and dogs are not allowed on Light Rail platforms nor in Light Rail vehicles;
- Before entering the Light Rail platform area, passengers must place their pet cat/d in a pet-specific carrier or backpack and ensure it is fully closed. Opening the carrier during the journey is prohibited until they leave the Light Rail vehicle and Light Rail platform area. The size of the carrier must comply with the permitted luggage requirements stated in current MTR’s Conditions of Carriage of Luggage;
- Passengers with their pet cat/dog can only board and alight from the last door of Ligh Rail vehicles (for coupled-set vehicles, either the last door of the first or second car can be used) and must remain at the rear throughout the duration of the journey;
- Passengers must ensure their pet cat/dog remains completely enclosed in the carrier during the journey with no body parts of the cat/dog exposed;
- Passengers are required to pay their fare as usual.
The "Cat/Dog Carrying Trial Scheme" marks a significant step forward in making Hong Kong's public transport more pet-friendly.
Related News:
Light rail to start pets on board trial from May 1, HK$99 monthly pass for pet travelers
Comment