By Dan Laxer
The Suburban
Since last summer REM riders have been allowed to travel with their pets, under certain conditions, but only during specific times. As of last week, dogs are now permitted on the train at all times, but only during the summer months.
The Réseau express métropolitain announced earlier this month that starting on May 19 riders can now bring their dogs with them at all times. They must, of course, be leashed at all times, or in a cage or carrier.
Last August it allowed pets as part of a pilot project, but only outside of rush hour. Pets were not allowed Monday to Friday from 7:00 to 9:30 a.m., or from 3:30 to 6:00 p.m. The restrictions will come back into effect starting on August 18. (The REM will be closed from July 5 to August 17, and dogs will not be allowed on the bus shuttles that will be made available. Exceptions are in place for service dogs).
The rules and conditions dictate that all dogs must be muzzled, even while in the station, and must be leashed. The leash must be no more than 1.25 metres (or 49 inches). Only one dog per passenger is allowed, and they are not allowed on seats or benches.
The REM cautions that some of their stations – notably Du Quartier and Gare Centrale – are located in buildings that do not belong to the Réseau. The policies of these buildings’ owners would apply, for instance, if pets are allowed only in certain areas. It is up to travellers to be informed ahead of time.
The same rules and dates have applied to bicycles since last August, and the same allowances will also apply through August 17. In other words, bicycles will be allowed on REM trains. The rules are that cyclists may not ride their bicycles either in the REM stations or cars. Riders are only allowed to park their bicycles in racks provided, and are not permitted to park them outside of the REM’s operating hours.
REM riders with bicycles must be at least 14 years old or accompanied by an adult.
There can be no more than two bicycles on an REM car.
Cyclists must let other riders get on and off the train first, and must hold their bicycles securely and not lean them against the car, the seats, doors, etc.
The rules apply regardless of the style of bike – bicycle, electric cycle, scooter, unicycle, or tricycle. Gas-powered scooters are not allowed. Folding scooters are fine as long as they don’t disturb anyone or cause a safety issue. n