To:   

The Government of Singapore (Ministry of Transport, Land Transport Authority, SMRT, SBS Transit)

Petition Statement:  
We, the undersigned Singapore residents and pet owners, respectfully call for the introduction of a pilot programme allowing pets on public transport, including MRT and buses, under controlled, regulated, and evidence-based conditions.

Proven Case Study: Hong Kong MTR Pilot

In 2025, Hong Kong’s MTR Corporation launched a “Cat/Dog Carrying Trial Scheme” on its Light Rail network.

Key features of the programme include:

• Pets allowed only on weekends and public holidays  
• Mandatory enclosed carriers with strict size limits  
• One pet per passenger rule  
• Designated boarding areas and train sections  
• Introduction of a paid monthly pet pass (HK$99) (thestandard.com.hk)  

Following implementation:

• The trial was extended after smooth operations and high compliance  
• Authorities reported that most passengers followed the rules  
• The system maintained operational safety, hygiene, and passenger comfort (hongkongfp.com)  
• Subsequently, the programme was formalised into a regular weekend service, demonstrating policy viability and public acceptance (spca.org.hk)  

This provides a real-world, urban, high-density benchmark highly comparable to Singapore.

🇸🇬 Why This Matters for Singapore

1. Accessibility & Equity  
   Many Singapore pet owners do not own cars. Current restrictions:
   - Limit access to veterinary care, training, and services  
   - Increase reliance on private transport or ride-hailing 
   - A regulated system improves mobility equity, especially for elderly and lower-income residents.
2. Public Health Through Regulation (Not Prohibition) 
   Hong Kong’s model shows that strict rules—not bans—are effective:
   - Enclosed carriers prevent hygiene issues 
   - Designated boarding zones reduce crowd friction 
   - Paid permits ensure accountability 
   Singapore can adopt an even stricter, compliance-driven model.
3. Data-Driven Policy (Pilot First, Decide Later) 
   Instead of permanent change, this proposal advocates:
   - Controlled pilot programme 
   - Real data collection (ridership, complaints, hygiene incidents) 
   - Evidence-based expansion or rollback
   This aligns with Singapore’s testbed policy approach.

Proposed Singapore Pilot Framework

Phase 1: Controlled Trial
- Selected MRT lines or carriages  
- Off-peak hours only (e.g. weekends, late evenings)  
- Mandatory fully enclosed carriers  
- Limit to small pets initially  

Phase 2: Pet Travel Pass System
- Paid monthly permit (similar to Hong Kong)  
- Registered pets linked to owners  
- Enforcement via digital verification  

Phase 3: Evaluation & Scaling
- Track
  - Cleanliness incidents  
  - Commuter feedback  
  - Operational delays (if any)  
- Expand gradually if successful  

🔒 Safeguards (Non-Negotiable)

- Mandatory licensing & vaccination compliance  
- Strict penalties for non-compliance  
- Breed/size controls if required  
- Clear etiquette and enforcement rules  
- Immediate revocation for violations  

⚖️ Balanced Approach

This proposal does not advocate unrestricted access.

Instead, it calls for:
 A controlled, evidence-based integration of pets into Singapore’s transport system—designed to protect the experience of all commuters.

📢 Conclusion

Hong Kong’s experience demonstrates that pet-inclusive transport is possible—even in dense Asian cities—when implemented carefully.

Singapore has the opportunity to:
- Improve urban liveability  
- Support responsible pet ownership  
- Lead as a model for modern, inclusive cities  

We urge the Government to initiate a pilot programme and study its feasibility.

*Sign this petition to support a more inclusive, forward-looking Singapore.

-TheAsianPawrent Team-