'I just hope that no one ruins it' - Passengers have their say as the Metrolink welcomes dogs for the first time

manchestereveningnews.co.uk:

Today (August 1) marks the beginning of dogs being allowed on Metrolink. The trial, a manifesto pledge made by Andy Burnham which has been delivered by Transport for Greater Manchester and tram operator Keolis Amey Metrolink, will last for three months and will be monitored for safety and respect of other passengers.

While dog owners can now bring their pets on the trams for free, there are rules in place for those wishing to travel with a pooch. Dogs must be kept on leads and there is a maximum of two dogs per metrolink passenger.

The new guidance is now a part of the services conditions of carriage, which includes an option for refusal if the dog appears uncontrolled or dangerous. Furthermore, dogs are not allowed on seats and must not obstruct the wheelchair spaces on the trams.

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One dog owner, who is very pleased with the change, Samuel Bell, a Mortgage Broker who lives on Deansgate brought his dog, George, on the tram this morning. Samuel, who has previously petitioned for dogs to be allowed on the trams, was excited for it to finally be a reality.

He said: “Me and my friend tried with a Facebook petition, but this was years ago, and it did get somewhere but they just said safety concerns. Which I thought was ridiculous, because they can go on the buses, you can take them on trains, on the London Underground.

“I think it’s great because there’s so many places in town now that let dogs in like restaurants, hotels, our apartment block, but if you want to get out of town it’s either drive or taxi. We got rid of our car a few months ago so it just makes all the difference, we can go to Sale Water Park, and all places like that.

“I think Manchester