Taipei would continue to assess the feasibility of a cat-friendly train on its Mass Rapid Transit (MRT), Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an (蔣萬安) said yesterday.
Chiang made the remarks as the Taipei City Government held a “Canine Outing Day” event promoting dog-friendly bus and MRT rides, which drew criticism from cat owners who said similar initiatives should be extended to other pets.
The city government had consulted experts and initially excluded cats, citing their more reserved nature, but has asked Taipei Rapid Transit Corp (TRTC) to further evaluate the issue, Chiang said.
Photo: Kan Meng-lin, Taipei Times
Taipei operates more than 20 dog-friendly bus routes and has more than 20 dog parks, he said, adding that the city would continue efforts to promote a pet-friendly environment.
Held to mark World Pet Day, yesterday’s event offered free rides on designated dog-friendly buses between Taipei 101 and Jingqin Dog Park, where dogs could move freely without leashes. On the MRT, four Red Line cars were also designated dog-friendly yesterday, allowing pets to ride without cages between Xiangshan Station and Tamsui Station.
A participant surnamed Kang (康), who traveled from Tamsui Station to Taipei 101 Station with her dog, said boarding was smooth, but movement was difficult during peak hours.
Some passengers complained of crowding, with one owner forced to carry a shiba inu throughout the trip.
Another participant, surnamed Lin (林), said passengers at Taipei Main Station were generally accommodating and made space for her pet.
Some pet owners suggested designating pet-only cars to ease concerns among pet owners and other passengers.
TRTC official Liu Shih-chu (劉士莒) said the company would continue to gather public feedback to refine policies on pets and space allocation, particularly on weekends and holidays, when ridership is higher.
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China has reserved offshore airspace over the Yellow Sea and East China Sea from March 27 to May 6, issuing alerts that are usually used to warn of military exercises, although no such exercises have been announced, the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported on Sunday. Reserving such a large area for 40 days without explanation is an “unusual step,” as military exercises normally only last a few days, the paper said. The alerts, known as notice to air missions (NOTAMs), “are intended to inform pilots and aviation authorities of temporary airspace hazards or restrictions,” the article said. The airspace reserved in the alert
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