It’s all aboard the eBus as far as local dogs are concerned, with dogs of any size now allowed to jump on a bus as long as they are muzzled and on a leash.
It follows the joint Nelson Tasman Regional Transport Committee accepting a proposal for a 12-week trial of dogs on the eBus network in Nelson and Tasman from the beginning of April. Small dogs have been allowed on the buses in a suitable carry container since 2021 and continued after a successful 12-month trial.
Nelson City Council group infrastructure manager Alec Louverdis says feedback on the smaller dogs indicated passengers would like an alternative option to a carrier and there was a desire to take bigger dogs on board.
That led to council amending the policy to allow small dogs to ride wearing a muzzle and a lead, or travel in a carrier. Now that policy has been carried through to the trial of larger dogs. The policy copies a similar trial carried out by Auckland Council with Auckland Transport.
Although it is still early days, he says dog owners are already taking their canine companions on the buses.
“To give the trial the best chance of success, we ask those travelling with dogs to ensure they are following the rules, as detailed on the eBus website.”
The council is taking feedback from both dog owners and public transport users, including how well it is working or what could be changed. Once the trial is finished, Alec says the council will determine if and how the service will continue.
Regional Transport Committee chair Stuart Bryant has reservations about the policy and says the buses are for people and there are people who do not like dogs, or have allergies.
“And some people, like myself, don’t see the reason to take dogs with you unless they’re a companion or guide dog.
“I just wonder how far it will go. It depends on how much is too much. Buses are really for people.”
More details on the policy can be found here.
