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Travelling with Animals

Travelling with Animals

Policy on travelling with animals on State Transit Buses and Ferries

Customers are welcome aboard Sydney Buses services and Newcastle Buses and Ferries services with their disability service animal or pet according to some simple rules.

Service Animals on Buses and Newcastle Ferries

Customers who have a seeing or hearing guide dog, or a guide dog in training, or a Police dog, or a Police dog in training, or a disabled person’s authorised assistance animal are permitted on board buses and ferries, with their animals, at all times. There are no restrictions for these animals.

Pets on Buses

Customers may also board a bus with a pet such as a dog, cat, bird or other animal. Any such pet must be restrained in a suitable box, basket or other container to be allowed on board as required by the law (NSW Passenger Transport Act and Regulations). The bus driver may refuse to allow a pet on a bus if this poses a risk to the safety of other passengers or the bus. Pets that are not clean, appear vicious, or likely to annoy, threaten or inconvenience other passengers will not be allowed on a bus.

Pets on Newcastle Ferries

Customers may also board a ferry with a pet such as a dog, cat, bird or other animal. Any such pet must be restrained in a suitable box, basket or other container to be allowed on board as required by the law (NSW Passenger Transport Act and Regulations). The ferry master may refuse to allow a pet on a ferry if this poses a risk to the safety of other passengers or the ferry. Pets that are not clean, appear vicious, or likely to annoy, threaten or inconvenience other passengers will not be allowed on a ferry.

Disability Assistance Animal Card

If the customer travels regularly using State Transit services with a disability assistance dog, the customer may apply for a Assistance Dog Card available from the Passes and Concession office at RailCorp (1300 302130). These Cards are recognised on State Transit services. The customer can show this Card to the Bus Operator, Ferry Master or Customer Service Coordinator when they travel with their assistance dog