Pets on board: Kingston Transit allows pets on the bus

Kingstonians are now far more likely to see those of the four-legged variety joining them as passengers aboard local municipal buses.

The City of Kingston has announced that Kingston Transit is now permitting pets on buses, but pet owners, take note: there are specifics about what types of pets are allowed to ride the bus, and what is required in order for that to be green-lighted.

The concept, which began with a motion before Kingston City Council in 2019 and was subsequently further investigated by the Administrative Policies Committee, only allows for pets in locked carriers designed for the transportation of pets, and only those up to a maximum size of 28” length, 20.5” in width, and 21.5” in height. (or approx. 71 cm L x 52 cm W x 54.5 cm H).

“Pets in cardboard boxes or cloth bags will not be permitted on board,” the City of Kingston said in a press release on Monday, May 2, 2022.

According to the City, some notes for those planning to utilize this service include:

• Pets must remain in carriers. The carriers/pets must remain with the passengers bringing the carriers/pets on board.
• Carriers can be placed on the rider’s lap, under a rider’s seat, or between the legs of a standing passenger.
• Carriers must not occupy a seat and must be kept clear of all aisles and doors.
• Pets “must be well behaved while on board.

“Before today, some passengers were unable to take important trips with their pets,” said Jeremy DaCosta, Director of Kingston Transit, in a statement. “This will allow riders an economical travel option to take their pets to places such as the vet or grooming services.”

As always, those using service animals (or those training service animals) continue to be welcome aboard Kingston Transit in the same manner as outlined above, however, service animals are not required to be transported in animal carriers, according to the City.

“A service animal is on duty when being used for reasons related to a person’s disability,” the City of Kingston said.

For more information Kingston Transit, visit their website.