Aussies divided over 'entitled' public transport act

"It’s so avoidable it’s dumb"

A now-viral photo on Sydney’s public transport has sent locals spiralling, as dog owners have been exposed for taking their fur babies along with them for the ride.

Whilst there are some rules allowing for dogs to be on Sydney trains, these particular owners have gone beyond this, causing Aussies to debate whether we should just let them on - or ban them altogether.

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Image: Reddit.

“Typical entitled dog owners flaunting public transport rules”

A Sydney Reddit user has taken to the platform to expose a couple of Sydneysiders who have taken the Light Rail with their dogs.

But, the dogs aren’t in boxes or baskets as they’re allowed to be - they’re sitting right on the seats.

“Typical entitled dog owners flaunting public transport rules,” the poster said.

The poster also provided the rules around travelling with pets.

“When boarding public transport with a pet or other animal, please be aware that: The animal must be restrained in a suitable box, basket or other container at all times while on board. ... Animals are not allowed on seats and must not obstruct passageways,” the post said, quoting Transport for NSW.

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“Having the dog on a seat is ridiculous”

Commenters on the post were just as frustrated to see the two dogs taking up seats.

“Great, now those dogs got their dirty buttholes rubbing all over the seats gross,” said one person.

“I don’t care about the dogs not being in box/cage, but they absolutely should not be on the seats whether it’s busy or quiet,” another agreed.

“Yeah having the dog on a seat is ridiculous,” said a third.

“I own a dog. I love dog friendly places. I actually wish there were more dog friendly places but yeah, I draw the line at dogs being on seating etc that are meant for humans. The floor is perfectly fine, they do not need a seat, and dogs shouldn't be in places that aren't explicitly allowing dogs,” another added.

Yay or nay?

However, it then kickstarted a debate around whether pets have a place on public transport at all, with some saying they shouldn’t be allowed under any circumstances.

“I don’t want to take my disabled and/or immunocompromised clients into the public via public transport for something like this to happen to them. It’s so avoidable it’s dumb,” said one person.

“Dog people. FFS entitled ‘Fur Parents’,” said another.

Others said allowing dogs was simply a sign of the times, referencing changes overseas, and a boom in dog friendly workplaces.

“I for one welcome any rule change that will allow pets on public transport. The criteria is that the hoomans are well behaved. Reduce reliance on cars and I've no problems with pet friendly shopping and cafes anyway,” said one commenter.

“I think they should at least allow them in off-peak periods,” said another.

“In Europe dogs were everywhere, trains, restaurants, etc. In the US and Canada people take them on planes as well. Starting to see more and more doggos at pubs here in Sydney, and they allow dogs at my office,” a third said.

Originally published as Aussies divided over 'entitled' public transport act