Do they have to pay? Pets now allowed on MRT-3

Passengers can now bring their pets while on board the Metro Rail Transit-3 (MRT-3) without extra fare as long as they follow strict guidelines.

In Tina Panganiban Perez's report on "24 Oras," Maymay, an aspin (asong Pinoy), went viral on social media after the puppy had his first ride in the metro railway.

Maymay, who was wearing a small shirt, was sleeping inside his dog cage placed in one of the train seats.

Donna Ranario, the dog's owner, said the MRT-3 management allowed her to carry her dog while in transit because her dog is in a cage and wearing a diaper.

Ranario said she had to bring her pet while at her work because Maymay will be left alone without caretakers.

But at the Light Rail Transit, Ranario said her dog was not allowed to get on board.

"Hindi kami pinayagan sa LRT. Nag-jeep po kami. (We were not allowed by LRT. We rode the jeep instead.)," Ranario said.

Michael Capati, MRT-3 director for operations, said  pets have to wear diapers and stay in cages to ensure safety and sanitation inside the train.

"Ang ina-allow namin na pets, yung nakalagay sa cage na ang size is not more than two by two feet. And then siyempre, halimbawa, normally kasi karamihan niyan aso, pusa or what, pero siyempre dapat yan may proper sanitation yan. Nakadiapers yan," Capati said.

(We allow pets inside cages that are not more than two by two feet. Normally, these pets are cats and dogs. They need to have proper sanitation. They need to be in diapers.)

Capati added that they need these guidelines to make sure that there will be no threat to passengers and the train facility.

"Baka biglang tumakbo at bumaba sa riles ng tren. (The pets might run away and go to train tracks.)," Capati said.

The MRT-3 management said birds are also allowed provided that they are in cages. Pets with leashes, however, are not allowed inside the train.

Aside from protocols, MRT-3 management is also crafting protocols for passengers who have pet allergies.

As for the Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA), which oversees LRT-2, the management said it needs to review first whether to allow pets on the trains.

"Yes, the existing policy does not allow pets. Will ask management to make a review of policy... But we can adopt a similar policy if it will not prejudice our safety and operational concerns," said Hernando Cabrera, LRTA spokesman.

The policy for pets did not sit well with some passengers.

Jean Peralta said it would be a hassle on his commute if pets were inside trains.

Carlo Ciangat took issue with the scent of dogs which might spread inside the air-conditioned trains.

Another commuter, meanwhile, welcomed the move, as it would be favorable for pet lovers.—Consuelo Marquez/LDF, GMA News