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‘MRT already crowded enough’: Netizens push back on Jeremy Tan’s public transport pet proposal
Reddit users have expressed strong opposition to Jeremy Tan’s proposal to allow pets on public transport, citing overcrowded MRT conditions. Critics argue that adding animals could worsen the situation and highlight concerns over hygiene, enforcement, and public safety.
SINGAPORE: A Reddit user recently highlighted a proposed policy by Jeremy Tan, an independent candidate contesting the Mountbatten Single Member Constituency (SMC), aimed at making public transport more pet-friendly.
Among his campaign suggestions is a proposal to allow pets weighing under 7kg, transported in sealed carriers or prams, to travel on public transport.
According to Tan’s campaign website, the policy seeks to improve accessibility for pet owners who rely on ride-hailing services or have limited access to green spaces and pet-friendly areas in Singapore.
“Pet owners are often discriminated against when it comes to transport or public spaces. We need to embrace more pets. They are the best,” Tan stated.
Although he admitted that the policy would not benefit all pet owners — “I have beagles, so this policy won’t help me at all” — he emphasised that it could ease the financial strain for many, particularly those who depend on Grab to access grooming services or dog parks.
Trial Measures and International References
Tan proposed a phased trial based on practices in Japan and Hong Kong. He suggested starting with a 10kg weight limit and allowing only one pet per person.
The trial could begin over weekends and involve a special concession pass to identify pet owners. Initially, the scheme would apply only to the MRT network.
“This system is being tested in Hong Kong,” he noted.
He also suggested that pets must be kept in bags or prams and leashed, adding that such precautions would help maintain hygiene and prevent pets from soiling public areas.
“MRT Is Already Crowded Enough” — Public Concern Over Adding Pets to Trains
Despite the intention behind the policy, online responses were largely sceptical, with many questioning the practicality and enforceability of such a scheme.
Several Reddit users pointed out that public transport is already overcrowded, and introducing animals into this environment might worsen the situation.
“SMRT has problems enforcing current rules now — you think they’re going to ensure compliance with weight or size requirements for carriers?” one user asked.
Another user argued that the policy was unrealistic, pointing out that authorities already struggle to regulate antisocial behaviour on trains, such as asking people to give up seats for the elderly or stopping passengers from blasting media.
They noted that rush hour is already difficult when a disabled person or parent with a pram boards.
“No reason to make it worse with a distressed animal making loud noises in a tightly squeezed cabin,” they added.
One user commented that the policy would not work without proper enforcement.
They argued that it would be an inconvenience on already overcrowded trains with poor hygiene and added that some people are afraid of dogs.
Health and Responsibility Issues
Other users raised potential health risks, pointing out that some passengers might be allergic to or afraid of animals, even if the pets are caged.
Sceptics also questioned the level of responsibility among pet owners in Singapore, citing poor cleaning habits.
“Not all dog owners are responsible enough to clean up after their pets,” one remarked.
Some users argued that the high cost of pet-friendly transport should be factored into the decision to own a pet in the first place.
“If ride-hailing is expensive, maybe reconsider owning a pet,” one user said bluntly.
It’s Not Discrimination But Equality in Public Transport
One user dismissed the notion that pet owners face discrimination, insisting that they are simply subject to the same public rules as everyone else.
“Discriminated? No, treated equally,” they wrote.
“If people aren’t allowed to eat or drink because they might make a mess, then pets shouldn’t be allowed on the train either. You leave your dog at home, you become the same as everyone else — then your experience will be the same.”
They added that owning a pet comes with personal responsibility: “You chose to have a pet. That’s the deal you accepted. You don’t ask everyone else to move aside to accommodate your personal choices.”
