The Taipei Rapid Transit Corp. (TRTC) has announced a delightful initiative for pet owners, revealing plans to operate special trains allowing passengers to travel with their beloved pets on Sunday, March 31.
According to the TRTC, two designated “pet-friendly trains” will be deployed on the MRT Red Line (Tamsui-Xinyi Line), commencing their journeys at 1 p.m. on Sunday. These trains will embark on eight round trips, departing from Xiangshan Station and Tamsui Station.
Passengers keen to join the pet excursion must note the last departure times: 4:57 p.m. from Xiangshan Station and 4:24 p.m. from Tamsui Station. Notably, these special trains will make stops at all stations along the route, offering convenience to pet owners without the need for prior registration.
The journey duration is estimated to range from 1 to 1.5 hours. The TRTC emphasizes that the introduction of pet-friendly trains is an additional service, ensuring that regular train schedules remain unaffected for passengers who opt for standard travel.
Owners bringing their dogs or cats aboard must adhere to specific guidelines. Pets are required to be placed in pet carriers or strollers upon entering the station, ensuring no part of their head, tail, or limbs protrudes. Once onboard, pets can be released from their carriers but must be restrained by a harness or leash.
In terms of fares, the same regulations as Taipei Metro’s existing “Bringing Pets on the Metro” policy apply. Owners and accompanying family or friends will be charged according to prevailing ticket prices.
For small and medium-sized pet strollers, no additional tickets are necessary. However, large pet strollers necessitate the purchase of one-way tickets for both the owner and the pet, priced at NT$80 (US$2.50). These passengers should board the train from either the first or last carriage.
Owners are reminded to prioritize their pets’ health and safety by ensuring pet registration, up-to-date vaccinations (including rabies), and flea prevention measures before boarding. As there are no designated dog or cat compartments on the trains, owners are urged to attentively supervise their pets to avoid any inconvenience to fellow passengers.
To provide essential assistance, the pet-friendly trains will be staffed with pet trainers, security personnel, and cleaners. These trains will be easily identifiable by vibrant decals on the doors and the prominent display of “Pet Train” on the sides and front.
Additionally, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, pet markets will be organized outside Tamsui, Yuanshan, and Daan Forest Park stations along the Red Line. These markets will offer a variety of stalls selling pet-related products and activities for both pets and their owners.
A special activity, exclusively for Taipei Metro members, is scheduled for Sunday. Participants can engage in quizzes at the pet market in Xinyi Plaza and the Taipei Metro booth, with the chance to win exciting prizes. All are welcome to participate in this fun-filled event celebrating the bond between pets and their owners.
