A proposal that would allow dogs to ride on the Sheffield tram network has been met with mixed reactions from the public.
Today, the Sheffield Wire spoke to people across the city centre, as a public consultation on the matter by the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority enters its final week.
Some people have said that I’m barking mad for not letting all dogs on trams – it’s been a great bone of contention for them.
Oliver coppard, SOUTH YORKSHIRE mayor
Currently, only service animals and dogs in carry-cages are allowed onto the Supertram network, which connects cities and towns across South Yorkshire.
One tram-goer said: “Dogs should be forbidden – except for the blind.”
However, many dog owners were supportive of a change to the rules, saying it would improve transport accessibility, and would likely result in them using the tram more often. But some feared that untrained animals would cause disruption on the trams, or frighten passengers with a fear of dogs.
Jamie Lee, who recently moved with her dog closer to the city centre, said: “If I could take Bella on, I’d use the tram more.”
One couple, Sue and Mick Owen, found themselves divided on the issue. Sue believes the changes would be “wonderful” – but Mick had some reservations.
Mrs. Owen and Ms. Lee both pointed out that non-service dogs are allowed on other bus & train networks in South Yorkshire, without issue, making the Supertram an outlier.
Mrs. Owen said: “If dogs aren’t a problem on the bus, then I can’t see why they should be a problem on the tram.”
The SYMCA took the Supertram back into full public ownership last year, and the consultation comes as part of broader plans to integrate and expand South Yorkshire’s transport networks into a cohesive whole.
Oliver Coppard, the regional mayor, said: “The brilliant thing is that choices like this are now ours to make since we took back public control of Supertram.”
Sheffield City Council is also involved in plans for the future of the tram network, with the hope it could spearhead a broader regeneration of the city centre.
Cllr. Ben Miskell, chair of the Transport Committee on the Council, said: “We know well-behaved dogs can coexist with public transport. However, people may have different views – and we do want to hear them.”
The consultation closes on 3rd March at noon.
