Light rail expected to be the first to allow pets

The Light Rail system will likely be the first to trial MTR’s pet-friendly policy due to its independent operations, lawmaker Gary Zhang Xinyu said.

This came as sources revealed that MTR is considering allowing passengers to travel with pets on its trains, with a decision expected as early as the first half of this year, sources said.

Speaking on a radio program on Wednesday, Zhang explained that the Light Rail, which serves the northwestern New Territories, is an ideal testing ground.

Zhang said implementing the policy on the heavy rail network would require a system-wide rollout, making the Light Rail a more manageable starting point. 

“If the trial goes well and receives positive feedback, it could be expanded,” he said.

Zhang, a former MTR engineer, noted that the idea of allowing pets on trains was discussed almost annually during workshops aimed at improving service quality.

However, it was never pursued due to divided public opinions. “People who love animals really love them, while those who don’t can have strong reactions,” he said.

He attributed the renewed push to the younger demographic within the MTR’s management team, which he said is now more open to exploring innovative measures.

Zhang said the policy would likely be introduced gradually, with restrictions such as allowing pets only during off-peak hours on weekends and in designated carriages at the front or rear of trains. 

Zhang also suggested size limitations, potentially excluding larger animals, and requiring pets to be carried in designated carriers similar in size to regular luggage.

As for pet types, Zhang said the focus should initially be on cats and dogs, the most commonly kept pets, adding that: “You can’t bring a snake, of course.”

(Ayra Wang)