Pet-friendly commute may be the next stop

Arya Wang

Passengers may soon be allowed to travel with their pets on the MTR, with the rail operator expected to make a final decision as early as the first half of the year, sources said.

The move, which could include designated pet carriages, has been debated internally for years, with earlier proposals suggesting restrictions during peak hours or limiting it to specific routes, particularly those serving the New Territories.

But the plans were shelved due to operational challenges and concerns about passenger convenience, sources said.

The issue has recently resurfaced, with renewed discussions on how to implement such a policy. New Territories North lawmaker Gary Zhang Xinyu, a former MTR engineer, supports the initiative, saying it could boost the economy by making travel more convenient for pet owners.

"People who love pets will welcome this while those who don't might have strong reactions," Zhang said.

He suggested that operational strategies, such as designating carriages during off-peak hours and deploying additional staff to guide pet owners, could help address concerns. "Many cities already allow pets on public transport. I don't see why it can't work here," he added.

Zhang said it is an opportune time to relax pet travel restrictions, citing the full operation of the Tuen Ma Line and the extension of the East Rail Line, which have made passenger distribution across the rail network more balanced.

According to 2019 data , over 240,000 households own dogs or cats.

ayra.wang@singtaonewscorp.com