Transport Minister Jo Haylen to weigh up options for pets on trains after Clover Moore campaign

Transport Minister Jo Haylen will ‘seek advice’ on a plan by City of Sydney Mayor Clover Moore to see dogs and other pets allowed on trains. Vote in our poll here.

Transport Minister Jo Haylen won’t shoot down a plan by Sydney Mayor Clover Moore to see pets allowed on trains – despite an overwhelming response from commuters objecting to the proposal.

On Monday night, Ms Moore revived a bid to see dogs and other pets on all modes of public transport, in a plan likened to those in Berlin, London, Paris and San Francisco.

Lord Mayor Clover Moore Picture: Darren Leigh Roberts

“A city for walking, cycling and public transport must serve everyone’s needs, including people who have pets,” Ms Moore said.

“Transport for London recently said that allowing dogs on public transport helps their efforts to encourage active travel and reduce car dependency.

“They allow pets on all buses, trams and trains – free of charge, at all times – because they recognise that many passengers feel far safer with them.

“It also provides greater trip flexibility for people going out with their dog.”

In response, A spokesman for Ms Haylen said the minister would be “seeking advices Transport for NSW, advocates and stakeholders to ensure we get the balance right”.

“The Minister knows many passengers are pet owners and would benefit from taking their pets on public transport,” he said.

“However, these benefits must be carefully weighed with the needs of passengers with disability and transport workers.”

NSW Minister for Transport, Jo Haylen. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Simon Bullard.

Commuters hit out over the proposal in droves, with one declaring “pets do not belong on public transport”.

“Imagine the smell of urine, in addition to the current stench that we smell when getting on a Sydney train,” Samantha said.

Another resident, Graham said “the good thing about trains, they work best when they stay on their rails, a lesson councils need to remember”.

“Focus on council issues not state, federal (or) international policy,” he said.

Meanwhile, John said there was “barely enough room for people on public transport”.

“Last thing you want in the heat of summer, or on a broken down train is to be standing right next to a dog or cat with IBS”.