Trial to allow pets on Hong Kong’s light rail trains to be extended after positive public response

A trial allowing owners of pet cats and dogs in Hong Kong to take their furkids on board MTR Corp-operated light rail trains has been extended until end-August.

The transport operator announced the extension in a statement on June 23, adding that the initial two-month trial had run smoothly and the “vast majority” of participating pet owners were observed to have complied with its rules, that include travelling during the designated periods and with the pets in carriers.

MTR Corp said the trial was extended to “gather further insights and better understand the scheme’s implementation under different travel patterns”.

“The public’s response to the scheme has been generally positive with smooth operations maintained, and it has received recognition from various sectors of the community,” it said.

MTR Corp is also currently reviewing the scheme’s implementation, consolidating and analysing the feedback collected since its May 1 launch.

The trial allows pets to travel on the trains only during weekends and public holidays, among other conditions.

It is aimed at “providing greater convenience for passengers wishing to travel with their cats and dogs during weekends and public holidays, as well as promoting inclusive mobility”, MTR Corp said in its statement.

Passengers must buy a monthly pass for HK$99 (S$17) for their pets, which allows them to take one cat or dog with them on unlimited rides on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays within the calendar month indicated on the pass.

Large dogs weighing 20kg or more are not allowed; neither are “fighting dogs” or other “known dangerous dogs”, as defined under Hong Kong legislation.

Pet owners must also pay their own fares and carry their furkids only in pet-specific carriers or backpacks within size limits. These carriers must be fully closed in the trains and the platform area, with no part of the animal’s body exposed.

Introduced in 1988, MTR’s light rail network serves people primarily in the New Territories, and also operates as a feeder service for one of its main train lines.

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