The new train rule that started on June 15 – did you know about it?
Good news! Due to a new move from Auckland Transport, pet owners will be able to take their furry and feathery friends on Auckland trains.
The move has been in place since June 15 and allows owners to travel with their pets, as long as they’re in a cage or other carrier that would fit under a seat or on their owners' laps.
There are restrictions to the move though. Owners with their pets in tow will be able to travel outside of peak hours only, as well as on weekends and on public holidays.
Auckland Councillor Cathy Casey said that it was a great step forward. She told NZ Herald: "It is good news for the owners of Auckland's 103,000 registered dogs. Our pets are an integral part of our lives and I am very pleased that we can now travel with them on off-peak trains across the region. I expect the trial to be a howling success."
Auckland Transport spokeswoman Stavey can der Putten said that the trial was one of the steps that they’re taking to make public transport more accessible.
It is also great for many Aucklanders who do not have access to a vehicle to take their animal to the vet or to explore the city.
Pet owners will also be responsible for cleaning up the messes their pets leave on the train.
One woman was ecstatic about the news and already took advantage of the transport system, snapping photos of her dog on the train.