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South Island Councils Launch Pet-Friendly Off-Peak Public Transport Pilot

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  Published in Automotive and Transportation on Thursday, November 27th 2025 at 21:50 GMT by rnz

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New Policy Lets Pets Join Off‑Peak Public Transport in Christchurch, Waimakariri and Selwyn

On Friday, the three largest South Island local authorities – Christchurch City Council, Waimakariri District Council and Selwyn District Council – announced a ground‑breaking change to public‑transport rules: dogs (and in some cases cats) will be allowed on buses and trains during off‑peak hours. The move, part of a national push to make public transport more inclusive and accessible, is set to take effect next month and will be monitored closely for its impact on ridership, safety and cleanliness.

How the Policy Works

Under the new guidelines, pets must be on a leash or in a carrier and must not be a nuisance to other passengers. While the rules are the same across the three districts, the specific times considered “off‑peak” differ slightly:

• Christchurch – Monday to Friday 6 pm to 8 am, and all day on weekends.
• Waimakariri – Tuesday to Saturday 7 pm to 5 am, and all day on Sundays.
• Selwyn – Monday to Friday 7 pm to 6 am, and all day on weekends.

During these periods, bus operators can accommodate pets in addition to the usual passenger capacity. Pets are not allowed on peak‑hour services (typically 6–9 am and 3–6 pm) because of the higher crowding levels. The policy is also accompanied by a small fee for pet owners – a one‑off “pet pass” costing $3, which covers the cost of additional cleaning and staff training.

The policy is formally endorsed by the Ministry of Transport, which has been working with local councils on a national “Pet Friendly Public Transport” pilot. As part of the trial, transport operators will keep detailed logs of any incidents involving pets and will report quarterly to the Ministry.

The Rationale Behind the Decision

The policy comes in response to a steady rise in pet ownership across the South Island. According to the New Zealand Veterinary Association, the number of households with at least one dog rose by 12 % between 2018 and 2022. Many pet owners commute to work or school and rely on public transport to get around. The councils believe that by allowing pets on off‑peak services they can:

1. Encourage Public Transport Use – Making commuting easier for pet owners should boost ridership during quieter times, which in turn can help reduce congestion on roads.
2. Support Mental Well‑Being – Pets are often cited as a source of emotional support. Giving pet owners the freedom to bring their animals along may improve overall quality of life for a significant portion of the population.
3. Promote Animal Welfare – By creating pet‑friendly travel options, the councils hope to reduce the number of stray dogs in public spaces.

“We see this as a win‑win for people and their pets,” said Councillor Linda Broughton of Christchurch. “It also aligns with our goal to create a more inclusive transport system.”

Operational Challenges and Staff Training

One of the biggest concerns was how to manage potential conflicts between pets and passengers, especially on buses that carry families with small children or elderly passengers. The councils have therefore arranged a “Pet‑Friendly Transport” training program for bus drivers and conductors. This includes:

• Pet‑Handling Techniques – How to safely guide pets on and off buses without disrupting service.
• Conflict Resolution – Steps to de‑escalate situations where a passenger may be uncomfortable with a pet.
• Cleaning Protocols – Updated procedures for cleaning after pets to maintain hygiene standards.

The training is funded by a $200,000 grant from the Ministry of Transport, which also provides a free “Pet Transport Handbook” to all bus operators.

Public Response

Initial reactions from residents have been mixed. Many pet lovers welcomed the change. A Facebook post by a Waimakariri resident, “I’ve been wishing for a way to take my terrier to the train, and this is fantastic! The fee is reasonable,” garnered more than 1,200 likes. A local blogger, however, expressed concerns: “What if a dog starts barking in the middle of a lecture hall? I’m worried about the overall experience for other commuters.”

The councils have set up a dedicated helpline and email address for pet‑friendly transport questions. A survey launched the week before the policy’s rollout received 2,356 responses, of which 58 % expressed support and 12 % voiced concerns. In the meantime, the council will hold two public forums in each district to address issues and gather feedback.

Future Outlook

The policy is intended as a pilot. After a full year of operation, the councils will review ridership data, incident reports and passenger feedback to determine whether to expand the pet‑friendly window or extend it to peak hours. The Ministry of Transport is also exploring the feasibility of allowing pets on the Christchurch Metlink rail network during off‑peak times, as well as on commuter trains to the South Island’s major cities.

The decision also dovetails with a broader national conversation about “pet‑friendly” public spaces. The Ministry’s website notes that several cities across the country – including Wellington, Auckland, and Hamilton – are already testing similar arrangements on their buses and trams.

Conclusion

By allowing pets on off‑peak public transport, Christchurch, Waimakariri and Selwyn have taken a bold step toward a more inclusive and sustainable transport future. While challenges remain—particularly around safety, hygiene and passenger comfort—the policy reflects a growing recognition that pet ownership is a major part of modern life. The coming year will reveal whether the pilot can strike the right balance between convenience for pet owners and the overall quality of the public‑transport experience. If successful, it may well become the standard across New Zealand’s public‑transport networks.