Dogs to be allowed on trams after public support

Three quarters of those surveyed said they supported the move

Dogs will be allowed on trams in South Yorkshire from Friday, as part of a new pilot scheme.

The move was announced by the region's mayor, Oliver Coppard, following a public consultation.

He said three quarters of people who responded to the survey were in favour of changing the Supertram network's rules, which previously restricted dogs to being transported in carry cages on the tram, unless they were assistance dogs.

The South Yorkshire Combined Authority said similar trials on tram networks elsewhere in the country had been successful.

Coppard said: "Over 10,600 people responded to our public consultation telling us that's what they wanted to see, and we've listened.

"You can already take dogs on buses and trains, and from today that will be extended to trams so everyone can enjoy seamless journeys even when they're with their best, four-legged friend."

The pilot will be reviewed after three months

Under the pilot, which will be reviewed after three months, one well-behaved dog per passenger is allowed aboard a service.

Supertram managing director Sean English said, "With strong public support, we welcome dogs onboard our trams and the benefits it brings to passengers.

"Ensuring the safety and wellbeing of both our colleagues and customers remains our top priority, and we have measures in place to manage the trial effectively and monitor its impact to ensure a positive experience for everyone."

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