Risk too great to let dogs on trams

NON-ASSISTANCE dogs will not be able to travel on the Metrolink network following a decision made by the Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) Committee.

The committee followed the recommendation of its capital projects and policy sub-committee, which considered a report on the issue at its meeting.

A thorough hazard identification and risk assessment was conducted by TfGM while approximately 2,400 online and Metrolink passenger surveys were completed as part of a public consultation on the issue.

Councillor Andrew Fender, chair of the TfGM Committee, said: “This is a very emotive issue for a variety of reasons and this decision is certainly not one that has been taken lightly.

“We’ve asked for considerable evidenced-based feedback from officers and listened carefully to Metrolink passengers, dog owners and assistance dog groups and health groups.

“Metrolink operates as a high-frequency, high-volume, unstaffed system and there is no representative available on board to assess the potential risk posed by animals.

Nuisance

“While the vast majority of dog owners are responsible, there is no way to guarantee all dog-owners will ensure their dogs behave appropriately and do not represent a nuisance or, worse still, a risk to passengers.

“At the same time, we also cannot guarantee the welfare and safety of dogs travelling on trams.

“Our primary concern in making this decision has been the continued safe and responsible operation of the Metrolink network, which now carries over 32 million passengers a year.”

A number of key risks were identified that raised concern over the safety of passengers and welfare of dogs.

The committee also considered the policies of other light rail networks, train operating companies and Greater Manchester bus companies.

Oldham Lib-Dem Councillor Howard Sykes moved an amendment to have a trial allowing dogs to travel off-peak only but was out-voted.