Hong Kong railway operator – the MTR Corporation (MTRC) – is considering allowing passengers to travel with their pets, local media HK01 reported citing sources.
The MTRC may make a decision on the pet-friendly policy within the first half of 2025, according to a report by HK01 on Tuesday.
Sources told HK01 that the idea of setting up a “pet compartment” had been discussed internally in the past. Some suggested that pets could be allowed to ride the MTR during non-peak hours or holidays, while others proposed limiting the pet-friendly policy to designated lines in the New Territories.
In response to HKFP’s enquiries, the MTRC did not confirm the report. The company said it needed to consider and balance different factors as they sought to provide safe, reliable and comfortable railway services.
“The company will continue to maintain communication with different stakeholders,” a Chinese-language email reply from the MTRC read.
Animal ban
At present, animals, except for guide dogs, are prohibited on railway premises under the MTR By-laws. Violators are subject to a HK$2,000 fine.
Separately, the MTRC prohibits people from bringing animals across the railway premises. Anyone who breaches the ban can be fined HK$5,000 and face six months of imprisonment.
Last June, lawmaker Rock Chen asked the government if it had plans to study with public transport service operators on the relaxation of regulations on boarding public transport. He said statutory and policy restrictions had made it difficult for residents to go out with their pets, despite the government’s call to boost local spending.
Secretary for Environmental and Ecology Tse Chin-wan responded by saying that operators of ferries, public light buses, non-franchised buses and taxis may exercise discretion when deciding whether to allow pets onboard.
Speaking about relaxing the MTR’s rules, the minister said the authorities had to consider balancing different factors, including “the space and carrying capacity of the compartments, reaction of the pets in the travelling environment and the potential impact on other passengers.”
Tse also said, “The government will continue to keep in view relevant suggestions for considering whether a change to the existing arrangement is necessary.”
Last October, Kowloon Motor Bus (KMB) rolled out six pet-friendly routes to allow the furry ones to board its vehicles on the weekend. The cheapest fare is HK$60, and prior online registration is required.
All dogs travelling on such KMB buses are required to have a valid dog license and be microchipped. They must also be vaccinated. Bus drivers may request passengers to show a copy or photo of the license and vaccination card when boarding.
All dogs must also be kept on a leash and wear a muzzle at all times unless they are placed in a pet carrier or bag.
