MTR Corporation opened its heavy rail carriages to pet dogs for the first time on Sunday, as pet owners expressed hopes for the regularization of the arrangement to promote pet inclusivity.
The special arrangement was a part of MTR's participation in "Dogathon 2026," an annual event organized by the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) to support abandoned or injured animals.
Participants with "SPCA Dogathon – 1-Day MTR Woof Pass" wristbands were allowed to bring their pet dogs on the last train car of both MTR heavy rail lines and Light Rail, with a quota of 1,200 participants for the day.
It was observed that most passengers with dogs complied with the rules, including keeping their pets in closed carriers and travelling in the designated last carriage of the train.
A passenger surnamed Cheng, who has owned her dog, Momo, for four years, described her first time taking her pet on the MTR's heavy rail as a "good and smooth experience."
She noted that Momo's occasional barks were not loud and were a normal reaction, so she wasn't concerned about affecting other passengers.
Meanwhile, Cheng said that she typically has to rely on taxis when travelling with her dog, which is not only expensive but also limits their destinations.
She hopes that MTR will make the pet-friendly service a permanent and official policy, estimating it could save her up to 90 percent on transportation costs. "It would achieve human-pet inclusion and allow us to take them to more places to have fun," she said.
Regarding potential hygiene concerns from other passengers, Cheng stated that her dog always wears a diaper when travelling on public transport, and she also carries essential cleaning supplies, such as pads and wet wipes.
MTR stated that it had deployed extra staff at busier stations to assist passengers and ensure a comfortable and safe environment for pets, their owners, and other commuters.
Notices of the special arrangement were posted in stations, and the rail operator also increased the cleaning frequency of the last train carriage.
