Dogs set to be allowed on Manchester trams permanently

Pet dogs are set to be allowed on trams in Greater Manchester permanently after a trial was declared a “success”.

The three-month trial ended in October, but dogs have still been allowed to travel on trams while a decision on making it permanent is made.

Councillors are to make a final decision tomorrow (13 January) with Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) bosses recommending the move be made permanent.

A Metrolink and Rail Sub-Committee report describes the response to allowing dogs on trams as “largely positive”. However, some concerns were raised, including attacks, allergies, and use of carriage space.

TfGM bosses have concluded that these concerns can be mitigated through rule changes, the publication of guidance, and passenger reminders. The new rules will restrict the number of dogs to two per passenger and require that they are “properly controlled”. The amended conditions of carriage also say busy services must be avoided.