Are DOGS allowed on MBTA rides? (Boston, Lowell: allergies, floor, buses)

[bostonguy1960]

I am not sure and haven't called them or checked their website.

I have seen two instances in one week of "regular" dogs with their owners riding the Red Line from North Quincy into Boston.

Today, one sat on the seat for a time; the other day, the owner bounced him in her lap and kissed him before he sat on the floor. No big deal? Or should they be on the floor? OR, just not rude, period...even if 6 sm on weekends?

On a crowded train, one must worry about stepping on a dog's tail or paw, possibly eliciting a bite.

Is this simply low class and inconsiderate of people nowadays?

Hmmm...I can understand a small dog in a cage on the way to a vet appointment. I guess it's fine if it's a true emergency and the owner can't afford a cab...

But what are the official rules, and what should the public tolerate? Even dog owners and dog lovers have their limits, no?

Plus, some riders may have allergies to pets.

[xS☺B☺s]

They are allowed on trains not buses. I think they are not allowed during rush hours. I took my dogs on the trains many time.

[bostonguy1960]

Thank you.

The situation today was about 5 pm inbound with seating available. Maybe he couldn't ride on a packed outbound train at that rush hour time.

But I can't imagine dogs on commuter rails. Heck, some riders pay $200-$300 monthly, and wear professional attire. No way would most appreciate or tolerate drooling or barking dogs. That wouldn't be fair, especially since those rides can be 45 minutes or more unlike my quick 20-minute Red Line ride today.

[xS☺B☺s]

Originally Posted by bostonguy1960

Thank you.

The situation today was about 5 pm inbound with seating available. Maybe he couldn't ride on a packed outbound train at that rush hour time.

But I can't imagine dogs on commuter rails. Heck, some riders pay $200-$300 monthly, and wear professional attire. No way would most appreciate or tolerate drooling or barking dogs. That wouldn't be fair, especially since those rides can be 45 minutes or more unlike my quick 20-minute Red Line ride today.

A lot of people use the quote "the dogs are better behaved than many of the people". I'm also not sure if they are allowed on the Green Line. We smuggled ours on occasionally.

Most Bostonians seem to find dogs on the trains charming. Seems to bring a smile to the usually stoic faces. And my dogs never barked or fussed. If anything, they were slightly nervous about the apparently ground in motion.

[bostonguy1960]

Originally Posted by xS☺B☺s

Most Bostonians seem to find dogs on the trains charming. Seems to bring a smile to the usually stoic faces. And my dogs never barked or fussed. If anything, they were slightly nervous about the apparently ground in motion.

Yes, I petted the dog a bit to the owner's appreciation. It was on its way to a group playdate on the Common, apparently, showing off its new yellow bandana from Walmart (American Eskimo).

I do like to be difficult at times, though I don't always follow society's rules yet expect others to sometimes adhere strictly.

[pennyone]

I've encountered many dogs when I take the T into Cambridge from Quincy. The pooches make the ride more fun and less dreary. I do understand about others' potential allergies against dog fur and dander, which is a very relevant concern. I have never taken my dogs onto the T for that precise reason.

[magicshark]

Originally Posted by bostonguy1960

Thank you.

The situation today was about 5 pm inbound with seating available. Maybe he couldn't ride on a packed outbound train at that rush hour time.

But I can't imagine dogs on commuter rails. Heck, some riders pay $200-$300 monthly, and wear professional attire. No way would most appreciate or tolerate drooling or barking dogs. That wouldn't be fair, especially since those rides can be 45 minutes or more unlike my quick 20-minute Red Line ride today.

When I used to commute using the Lowell line, years back, I always saw dogs on the early (5amish) train. If I remember correctly the rule is they have to sit on the floor and the conductor has the right to refuse ill behaved dogs.

[miu]

I'd much rather share a train ride with a dog than anyone's shrieking or crying child. And their parents never seem apologetic for making the other riders' travel experience excruciatingly painful.

[mmyk72]

I think a dog is a better co-rider than...
someone yelping on the phone loudly
crying children
someone with bad body odor
someone who has the volume on his/her headphone so loud that it can be heard by others (and he/she is also tapping vigorously)
people who fart
people with really bad breath
..... keep your imagination going.

However, having the dog on a seat... I'm not sure that's a considerate thing to do. I wouldn't want my coat/clothing to be covered with fur from a dog that previously sat on the same seat.

I agree some people can be allergic or have phobias of animals (not everyone is happy to see 4-legged creatures).

[Cantabridgienne]

Yes, they are, with certain caveats:

MBTA > Riding the T > Pets on the T