Sorry Fur Parents, Pets Are Still Not Allowed on Public Transport

Pets are the new “children.” While nobody can deny the love fur parents give to them, they’re sadly not allowed on public transport. And it will stay that way.

In response to Nominated Member of Parliament Dr. Tan Yia Swam, who asked the Ministry of Transport (MOT) if they’ll consider conducting a pilot study on allowing pets onto public transport, Minister for Transport S Iswaran provided a written reply on July 3 stating that pets are still not allowed on public transportation.

“There are safety, hygiene, allergy, and noise concerns from allowing pets on public transport, which cannot be fully mitigated even if pets are on leash or in carrier bags,” his statement reads.

The question also included the possibility of having appropriate safeguards, setting the last carriage of the train for passengers with pets, allowing pets in selected buses, and having pets on leashes or in carrier bags. Sadly, it’s still a no for the MOT.

“Setting aside train carriages and buses for pets will also reduce public transport capacity and inconvenience commuters who have concerns over travelling with animals,” the Minister said.

Nevertheless, not all pets are banned from public transport, as guide dogs are allowed according to the Rapid Transit Systems Act.

“[We] allow trained guide dogs on public transport as they are critical for some commuters with visual impairment to travel independently on public transport,” the Minister adds.