Source: Radio New Zealand
By Gwenaёlle Chollet, Journalism Student
Pets have been allowed on busses at off-peak times in Auckland since 2023. Auckland Transport
Some pets will be allowed on public transport at off-peak times in Christchurch and the Waimakariri and Selwyn districts from Monday.
Small pets will need to be in a carrier that fits on passengers’ laps or under the seat in front of them, while small dogs can be on a lead with a basket-type muzzle.
Pets will not be allowed on seats and only one carrier or dog will be permitted per person over the age of 16, along with several other conditions.
Off-peak hours are weekdays between 9.00am and 3.00pm and after 6.30pm, and all-day on weekends and public holidays.
Canterbury Regional Council public transport general manager Stewart Gibbon said people travelling with pets might be refused entry or asked to get off a bus if their pet was a nuisance or safety risk.
“Our drivers do an incredible job of keeping our services running and we ask customers to be respectful to our drivers as they navigate this change,” he said.
Pet-owners were responsible for any mess and were obliged to clean it up before getting off the bus.
Aucklanders had been allowed pets on public transport under similar regulations since 2023 following a three-month trial on trains in 2019, and shorter trials for small and large dogs on buses in 2022 and 2023.
Wellington has allowed pets to travel on buses, trains and ferries since 2018.
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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand
