Dogs on buses
Last July I stayed at the Brecon C&MHC site and instead of walking into Brecon and back, decided to catch the bus into Brecon with my 2 dogs and walk back. When I got to the bus stop there was already a couple there with 3 small dogs and when the bus arrived the bus driver would not let us on the bus. I wouldn't have minded the other couple going (and not myself) as they were before me but the driver didn't give us an option or tell us what the bus company's dog policy is. I have travelled by bus from Chirk to Llangollen on a number of occasions with my dogs so I know that dogs are generally allowed on buses in Wales so I don't know whether it was the driver's decision, the specific bus company's policy or simply due to the fact that there were too many dogs and he didn't want to perhaps cause an argument between us as to who went by bus and who didn't . I am hoping to go to Brecon later in the year so does anyone know if they do allow dogs on the bus to Brecon or not?
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Contact the bus operator in question and ask what the policy is.
I worked in the London bus industry for 30 years and their was no limit on numbers. Only stipulation I can recall is if it was a double deck bus you had to use the top deck.
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I agree it's best to contact the company to see what their arrangements are. But I'm guessing it would still be down to the driver's discretion.
Of course, it all depends on the nature of the dog - we'd never have thought of taking Harry on a bus, he just wouldn't settle. Lady, on the other hand will just curl up and sleep wherever.
We're hoping to go to Brecon later in the year so I'd be very interested to know what you find out.
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The answer to the question in your last sentence can easily be found on line. If it's a Stagecoach company service then one well behaved dog may be taken on board at the driver's discretion.
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The bus service that runs past the club's Bromyard Downs site (Hereford to Worcester) used to allow dogs on but the last time we were there, a couple of years ago, it had changed company and they no longer allowed dogs on their busses.
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We have traveled on buses around Brecon with our dog, one driver charged 90p from Brecon Town to Site and another did not charge.
We have also used a bus to go from Lady Margaret Site into Wrexham with a dog, no charge, so it seems to be at drivers discretion.
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I would have thought the responsibility for the bus and passengers was the driver's regardless of company policy. I would have thought he would have to take into account the overall safety at the time.
The OP doesn't mention how busy the bus was. Five dogs on a busy bus is probably asking to much hence the drivers decision
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We use buses a lot, just one dog now, used to have two. I check out the local bus companies we intend to use, most take dogs at the drivers discretion which also includes how many can travel. I think Gloucs or Hereford buses are the only ones which won't take dogs. Worth checking. At the Hillhead bus stops in Devon there are often several dog owners waiting, so far we have all been allowed on but I have seen a dog owner being rejected in Totnes (too many already on board.) On the whole bus companies are accommodating but it's not a given right to dog owners.
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I don't have a dog and generally don't reply to Dog posts However, I thought this a worthwhile discussion to look into after MM's reply to my post
Two quotes from two local Welsh bus companies,
NAT, "The bus provider permits dogs on its buses as long as the driver is happy with it."
CARDIFF BUS, "one well-behaved dog or other small animal - which does not cause disruption to others - would be allowed to travel per bus if the driver permits it to board".
So it would appear the driver has a lot of say about what happens on his bus.
To the OP, some useful information here. Welsh Buses
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Bus companies and drivers can occasionally be a law unto themselves. Let’s not forget stories of wheelchair users left at bustops.
I can see the logic of not allowing too many dogs onto the same bus, not fair to dogs, passengers or bus drivers. But no one with a help dog, (blind, deaf, assistance) should be left at a bus stop.
When we had one dog, a big one, we had no trouble occasionally using public transport, that would be 30 plus years ago. We never even consider it nowadays with two or three. Would be different if it was a toy breed, would just stuff it into a carrier and carry it like a handbag!
Rail transport we have found much friendlier. One of our Airedale’s did Euro Star a few years ago. Free as well. He was as good as gold. Unlike some of the human cargo.....
There are umpteen legal challenges of Taxi firms currently ongoing. They often refuse to allow guide dogs to travel with owners, turn up, see that customer has a guide dog, drive on.
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Things are a lot better now TDA but with the advent of bus passes and older people taking on more rescue dogs etc there is often quite a scramble to get on buses especially in places like Devon and Cornwall. Most of the time it works well, we take our dog on buses, boats and trains without encountering problems and assistance dogs would always take precedence. Public transport has to accommodate them. The problems arise when the buses are busy, pushchairs, walking aids, shopping trolleys all take up quite a bit of room so people need to think ahead and consider alternatives sometimes and avoid the busier parts of the day too.
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The thing about wheelchair users is regulated. If you look at the legal passenger capacity clearly visible in all buses and coaches it will state what is legally allowed. normally one Wheelchair but if that space is already taken up by a Pram or Pushchair then the driver has no option but to deny them access. first come first served I'm afraid
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Don't know the area but are you absolutely sure it is not a 15 seater minibus. They run them around here and a lot of rural places.
Some companies will not carry dogs at all unless assistance dogs, while some will allow them if they sit on your lap.
Dogs, if allowed, should not be sat/stood/laid in the aisle, but should instead be near to the window side of the seat.
The best advice was given many posts ago.....
Check with the company.
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I live in South Wales and our local operator is First Cymru. They allow dogs with driver's discretion. I have never taken my dog on the bus but have seen other dogs on the bus.
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Brecon is Stagecoach bus company I believe that allow one do per person.
9) Animals
One accompanied, well-behaved dog or other small animal which will not be a danger or a nuisance for other customers or our staff is allowed to travel with you on our buses at the discretion of the driver who may reasonably decide where on the bus the animal is best carried.A fare may be charged for dogs and details are contained in the ‘Guide to Tickets’ of the local Stagecoach operating company available on our website.
Where appropriate, dogs must be muzzled or put on a lead in accordance with the Dangerous Dogs Act. Small animals must be caged, boxed or kept on a lead. Any animal carried must remain under control and must not be allowed to sit on the seats.
If you bring an animal onto a bus, you will be held responsible for any damage, loss or injury arising from its presence on the bus.
Guide dogs, hearing or assistance dogs accompanying registered disabled persons are carried free of charge at any time. Assistance dogs should wear their harness or identification jacket when travelling.
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Thanks for clearing that up EasyT.
If a Stagecoach then would not be a minibus, possibly a midibus, but not a minibus.
Stagecoach and their drivers can be a law unto themselves. Because they are nationwide they don't all follow the same rules. The key words are the local Stagecoach operating company.
Dogs, if allowed, should not be sat/stood/laid in the aisle, but should instead be near to the window side of the seat.
I wrote that as it was part of the NVQ2 Providing Passenger Transport course that I did some years back. This may have changed since.0 -
I have
JK
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