Travelling with animals and pets on public transport in Istanbul

pet-public-transport

Republic of Turkey Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure made an amendment to the Road Transport Regulation for the transportation of pets on buses and was published in the Official Gazette dated January 10, 2020. With the change, pets can be transported in the passenger compartment of buses. Those who do not allow pets to be transported in the passenger compartment will be given 2 warnings.

With the change, pets such as cats, dogs and birds with vaccination certificates can be transported on the lap of the passenger or in front of the seat, provided that their special cages are locked. If necessary, special expeditions can be arranged where pets can be transported in the vehicle without taking passengers. Passengers will be able to purchase a side seat for their pet if they wish. In the previous regulation, pets such as cats, dogs and birds were only allowed to be carried in luggage in their special cages.

REGULATIONS ON CARRYING PETS ON BUS

In the old regulation, it was said that pets could only be carried in the luggage compartment, while in the new regulation, it was stated that the pets could be carried on the passenger’s lap or in front of the seat. It is also stated that the passenger can buy the side seat for his pet if he wishes.

New edit:

ARTICLE 5-(6) Pets such as cats, dogs (except for dangerous ones) and birds (goldfinches, budgerigars or canaries) with vaccination certificates are on the lap of the passenger with the animal or in front of the seat, except for the baggage-carrying section, provided that their special cages are locked also portable. If necessary, a special flight can be arranged in which pets can be transported in the vehicle without taking passengers. 2 warnings are given to the holders of authorization certificates who do not comply with this paragraph.

Old regulation:

ARTICLE 5-(6) Pets such as cats, dogs and birds can be transported in their special cages in sections reserved for carrying luggage. Live animals cannot be carried in the vehicle with the passengers. When necessary, special expeditions and services can be arranged where pets can be transported in the vehicle without taking passengers. 2 warnings are given to the holders of authorization certificates who do not comply with this paragraph.

RULES FOR CARRYING PETS ON IETT BUS

The rules regarding the transportation of pets in IETT’s Declaration of Passenger Rights are as follows.

It is possible to travel in vehicles with animals that meet the following criteria:

  • Guide dogs accompanying the visually impaired,
  • Small cage animals, provided that they are transported in cages.
  • Predatory, poisonous animals, reptile species and bird species that can be used as game animals, if released in any way, are excluded from this scope and are not accepted into the system.
  • It is not possible to travel with dogs that are not large enough to fit in the cage.
  • Ornamental dogs are accepted, provided that they have a collar and are carried on the lap (Depending on the density in the vehicle, the driver personnel may request to travel with a cage)

Responsibility for animals admitted to stations and vehicles in accordance with these rules belongs to accompanying persons. It should not be forgotten that these people will be held responsible for any behavior that will hinder the operation by threatening safety and security measures by getting rid of the cage or the control of the owner in any way.