The Dream Of Dogs Riding On Amtrak Is Tantalizingly Close Article: The Dream Of Dogs Riding On Amtrak Is Tantalizingly Close WASHINGTON -- In a historic step for the rights of dog owners, legislation that would instruct Amtrak to develop a pet-friendly policy is on the verge of passing the House of Representatives. The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee passed by voice vote on Thursday the Passenger Rail Reform and Investment Act. The bill applies some fairly far-reaching policy changes regarding trains in America. It would reduce the money Congress authorizes for Amtrak but also leverage private funds and require more business analyses of Amtrak projects. Under the bill, profits from Amtrak’s Northeast Corridor would go toward improving the Northeast Corridor lines and not the rest of Amtrak’s operations. The bill also would require that Amtrak eliminate, within five years of enactment of the law, the operating losses it currently has from its food and beverage carts. And it would require Amtrak’s Office of Inspector General to submit an evaluation of the boarding procedures at its 10 most populous stations (much to the delight of Matt Yglesias). It also would redefine the concept of puppy training. That’s because tucked into the bill is the language requiring that Amtrak develop a pilot program to allow dog and cat owners to ride certain trains with their pets. The specifications for the pilot program are as follows: At least one car in passenger trains should be available for ticketed passengers to transport a pet. The dog or cat has to be in a kennel and that kennel has to be stowed “in accordance with Amtrak size requirements for carriage of carry-on baggage.” (At this point, St. Bernards are howling “That's RUFFFF!”) The passenger transporting a pet will have to pay a fee (the amount of which has not yet been disclosed). The pilot program would also allow ticketed passengers to transport dogs or cats in cargo storage. Under this program, Amtrak would be responsible for keeping the cargo area at a temperature “controlled in a manner protective of cat and dog safety and heath.” One year after the program launches, Amtrak is required to report its findings to the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee. “This is amazing!” you’re saying right about now … unless you happen to be allergic to pets and a frequent user of Amtrak. “But doesn’t Amtrak already have a pet policy?” The answer is no. Lawmakers have been pushing this very concept since the 2013 introduction of the Pets On Train Act, but it never got far. Two Amtrak lines in Illinois have been running a pilot program. But beyond that, you can’t bring pets on Amtrak trains -- only on some other trains, such as Metro-North. An aide to Rep. Jeff Denham (R-Calif.), who along with Rep. Steve Cohen (D-Tenn.) has led the push for this legislation, said the current bill will show that it is the “express will of the Congress” to see this become policy. Amtrak spokesman Marc Magliari told The Huffington Post that it's possible the bill would authorize pilot programs beyond the two that currently exist in Illinois, which are set to end in April. As for those pilot programs, Magliari relayed that there had been no complaints from passengers or crew members even after 145 pets had ridden on trains. Congress still has a little ways to go to before man and his best friend can share a cheese platter and a bad Wi-Fi connection. But this is as promising as the situation has been to date. The House committee passed the Passenger Rail Reform and Investment Act last fall. That bill included similar pets-on-train language, but it was done too late in the session and the full House never took it up. This time, Congress has nearly two years to get it through both chambers and to the president’s desk. |
Several years ago, my mentor decided she wanted to travel by train, all up the East Coast....and she had her little dog with her. We never dreamed you could not carry a pet in your "state room"....so she couldnt go on her little trip! This will be super if this becomes reality....she has degenerative arthritis in her spine, and she can not sit in a car for extended periods of time....she can get up and walk around as well as nap when she needs to if on a train....I sent this article to her! I wonder if the train comes to Houston????? |
Very cool! We rode the train once to Portland and they didn't allow pets. I was pretty disappointed as I would have loved to bring my pups. Great news! I would be more likely to travel via train if all of my family could come with me :) |
I think it is nuts. . .and to charge for the animal to be on the train is a rip off . . .i am tired of everyone taking advantage of pet owners |
I would looooove if this happened! My 6 year old has wanted to ride a train for a year now, but we've been unable to foo any trips because they didn't allow pets. |
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It is pretty amazing to hear over and over for years and years to take public transportation, only to realize that you cannot get your pet to its vet because it is not allowed on public transportation. I remember days when I took my little Yorkie/Poo mix everywhere with me including the supermarket, where he rode in the the 'baby' seat...like every one else's dog. It was great...you got to see so many beautiful pet babies and talk to their owners. The pets were very socialized and that word was never even used. I always worry about legislation, though...it never seems to work 'right'...LOL. I hope I am wrong...so many would benefit from a change such as this. Too bad it has to be legally mandated. |
That would be great, I tell you I would take the train for sure if Sophie Kate could come with me. |
That's such a shame that you aren't allowed to take Dogs on Trains. Over here in Scotland, we're allowed to take them on Trains, Buses, Taxis and Trams. I can't understand why they wouldn't allow that. And you don't pay for the Dogs. It's free Travel for them. |
Auto Train A year ago when I was waiting to board the Auto Train from Lorton VA to Sanford FL I was sitting next to a woman with her small dog in a pet stroller. I asked her how to do this and she said she had a note from her doctor stating the dog was needed for 'emotional reasons.' She booked a roomette and at one of the stops in the night an attendant advised her that it would be ok to walk her dog. She had done this before and was so pleased to have her baby with her. I don't know what Amtrak's official policy is, but this is what this passenger told me. |
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