GO Transit is going to the dogs sometimes … provided the hounds are on leashes

Thestar.com
July 11, 2018
Randy Risling

This made travelling via GO Transit inconvenient for some, as they weren’t able to carry their large dogs in carriers.

This was something that GO Train passenger Kimberly Fleming took to heart, because she wasn’t able to get her miniature Australian Shepherd, Tess, on the train. So she decided to do something about it.

In August 2017, Fleming started an online petition to ask GO Transit to review its pet policy.

The petition was a huge success, getting 25,485 supporters of its goal for 30,000 people in just two weeks.

“This is for all the people that use public transit as a means of transportation instead of a car, or they want to leave their car at home, and now it’s all linked seamlessly,” Fleming said, referring to the fact that the GO Transit policy now falls more in line with TTC and other transit policies in Toronto and the GTA.

Metrolinx spokesperson, Anne Marie Aikins, said in an email to the Star that an extensive review of the pet policy was done after the petition came out, and they compared theirs to other transit agency pet policies (locally and internationally) as well.

Following their research, they have made changes to their policy, allowing dogs on leashes to ride, with some specifications, of course.

The pilot project will run from July 20 to October 15, with plans for it to continue if it runs with no incidents, Aikins said.

“During rush hour when GO & UP are very busy, the policy remains unchanged: we welcome your dog on board, but they must be in a pet carrier that can fit on your lap or under your seat,” Aikins said in the email.

Some other rules include:

• You and your leashed dog must use the lower level of trains.
• In the case of accidents, please pick up after your dog, but do not dispose of their waste in train garbage cans (it may really stink up the train if left for too long).
• Be considerate to others and keep your dog off the seats.
• Keep your dog with you at all times for his safety and the safety of others.
• Give those with accessibility needs priority when bringing your dog onto the accessible coach.

All other ‘pets’ -- that includes birds, rodents or reptiles --must be in a secure carrier at all times while on board.
Aikins said that there will be no changes to the service animal policy, and these animals are welcome with proper identification as usual.

Fleming said she is extremely happy with this policy change, and that she’s grateful to Aikins and Metrolinx for their eagerness and support for this matter.

“I really want to give [Metrolinx] credit for taking an issue that really was important to so many people in the GTA and actually doing something about it. I think that’s fantastic,” Fleming said.

Aikins said that Metrolinx will be monitoring and collecting feedback from customers during the trial run, and will be letting the public know later this summer if any permanent changes will be made to the pet policy.