RAIL - Back On Track Forum

Couriermail --> Dogs on CityCats trial extended to May 31

QuoteDOG owners will be allowed to take their furry friends on Brisbane's CityCats and ferries for another few months, after the State Government approved an extension of the trial.

The Courier-Mail can reveal about 800 commuters have taken dogs on board the vessels since the trial began in December.

Another 140 have been refused entry from staff because they did not follow the rules, such as muzzling their animals or ensuring they were on a leash.

The trial was supposed to end on Sunday, but Transport Minister Mark Bailey will today announce that it will be extended to May 31 as the decision is made whether to make the move permanent.

"Owners have enjoyed being able to bring their dogs with them on Brisbane's ferry network during off peak times," he said.

"They've told us how they've enjoyed hopping on and off at various points in the city to access spaces like South Bank and the City Botanic Gardens.

"Having four-legged passengers join their two-legged owners on the water hasn't resulted in any major operational or safety issues either."

Mr Bailey said the response through the commuters' surveys had been equally positive.

"So we're looking at the comments in those responses and speaking with ferry crew to help us craft a future policy that will apply to ferry users and their pet dogs," he said.

The State Government has so far refused to extend the trial to the state's train and bus network.

Under the trial, dogs are only allowed on board CityCats and ferries during off-peak times, and they must either been in a carrier, or on a lead and wearing a muzzle.

They must also remain in the control of their handler during the journey.

The Government announced the trial last year after 86 per cent of almost 5000 respondents to a poll supported the idea.

https://twitter.com/7NewsBrisbane/status/1235817559754080257

i miss the old days
(madmax_fluffyroad IG) https://t.co/rTpzaVVzwi

https://twitter.com/humorandanimals/status/1243192138684420096

https://twitter.com/TransLinkSEQ/status/1266919228537364483

Sunday Mail 31st May 2020 page 7

Dogs handed ticket to ride after CityCat trial success

https://twitter.com/sunriseon7/status/1613269183239966720

New call for pets on public transport

https://x.com/ozbob13/status/1703449808848167296?

https://x.com/CloverMoore/status/1704646579888820460?s=20

https://x.com/ABCaustralia/status/1706806005156254020?s=20

https://x.com/6PR/status/1742787952906784796?s=20

Not unless they are crated (assistance dogs excluded).  Not everybody's pup is a little angel as I can personally attest.  We have 3 - Bichon Frise, French Bulldog and St Bernard - and I would only consider the Bichon as being anywhere remotely suitable for bringing on PT.  Not everybody is as careful with their dogs in public settings.

Hygeine. Pets can carry fleas, ticks, worms, viruses, parasites, leave hair/dander which triggers allergies.

I remember a time someone brought huskies on the train (not qld) and they drooled and slobbered everywhere and stunk the carriage out with the wet dog smell.

It won't increase patronage, animals take up extra space and some people might stop taking PT if they have to share space with animals.

Notes

Cat parasite
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toxoplasma_gondii

Dog Parvo Virus
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canine_parvovirus

I think it should be allowed since it is common place in Europe and they know what they are doing.
But funnily enough, you have to buy a ticket for the dog!

https://www.sbb.ch/en/travel-information/individual-needs/travelling-with-dogs.html

https://www.nsinternational.com/en/before-you-go/transporting-pets

https://www.sncf-voyageurs.com/en/travel-with-us/plan-your-journey/pets/

https://www.dsb.dk/en/tickets-and-services/travel-with-pets/

As most would know I grew up in Melbourne, and always enjoyed the odd woofer travelling on the trains.  Over a long period I cannot recall one incident where there was a problem with a dog on a train.  They usually just rest on the floor.  Some enjoy a window view as well.

You can still take various animals on public transport in Victoria.

Details --> PTV: Animals on public transport

https://www.ptv.vic.gov.au/more/travelling-on-the-network/animals-on-public-transport/

Queensland

https://www.queenslandrail.com.au/Customers/Pages/AccessforAll.aspx#travelling-with-assistance-animal

Travelling with a guide, hearing or assistance animal

A certified guide, hearing, or assistance dog, following completion of the Public Access Test, Certification, and Handler Identity Card Form by an approved trainer/training institution, can travel with you, as an approved handler.

The Assistance Animal pass issued by Translink allows you to bring your assistance animal on all Translink public transport services (excluding Airtrain). Find out how to apply by visiting the Translink website.

If you want to travel on one of Queensland Rail's long-distance services visit the Queensland Rail Travel website, to find out the criteria, conditions, and how to make a booking with an assistance animal.

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A few years ago, I was thinking of having our dog Missy trained as an assistance dog. I never went through with it because Missy started to go down hill and left for the ' rainbow bridge ' not long after.

I am always pleased to see guide/hearing/assistance dogs on public transport in Queensland.

I don't think this will change in Queensland, in the sense that the family pet will be able to go for a ride.  We are after all, in Queensland.

Unfortunetely these days, in this country (or at least this city), I don't think it would be a good idea. There are enough irresponsible/inattentive pet owners that I think there would be more problems than its worth if pets aren't caged etc.
Plus, could likely lose more patronage than what is gained due to animal allergies etc., as Metro said earlier.
I'm definitely on the fence as I would like to take my dog on the train at times and believe she would be good on the train, but the downsides definitely need to be looked at in current times.

I will say I don't have an issue with taking leashed and muzzled dogs on the ferry.  It's a substantially different environment (including with open areas) and in quite a few cases you would end up with people just travelling across the river - it is something they are using for lack of a pedestrian bridge.  Beyond ferries, my view is if the animal can't be crated or otherwise carried, it shouldn't be taken onboard.

https://x.com/ozbob13/status/1782091223718895795

Everyone always thinks their pet is an angel...

Quote from: Habitant on April 22, 2024, 06:07:05 AMEveryone always thinks their pet is an angel...

Agreed, but if the animal is in a crate, I don't see issue. Perhaps not in peak hours though. Large dogs that can't be crated and carried, I'm not in favour of having on trains.