Hi, I'm obviously not very good at using the "search" function cos I rarely am able to find what I'm looking for, then I start a new thread and only to be referred to a new one.

So, anyway here goes...

I've recently (yesterday) started dog sitting for a woman who works long days. What I want to know that she didn't quite explain clearly is the regulations of having dogs, and paying for their tickets, on public transportation.

I'm told the rules are different for trams and buses than for trains. How does it work exactly? Do I pay an "ermässigt" fare for the dog regardless of size? Does size matter? She's a small dog, Tibetan terrier, about 8-10 Kg and 25-30cm tall. I was under the impression that small dogs travel for free, but I'm now told that it's only free if you can carry the dog in a bag. I don't want to be paying if I don't have to, and I don't want to end up with a hefty fine because I should have paid.

Clarifications please?

Thanks in advance!

ps. just so you know, I'm not being lazy, I walk most places, just not keen on walking long distances in the rain.

Hey there...

As far as I know you pay half fare for a dog on all public transport unless they are in a suitable bag,,,,

Sorry, not sure of the ins and outs of 'single' dog tickets. No problem for me as my daughter's dog has a GA! Complete with photo of the dog! Honestly!
However, now I know why folk in restaurants (is it in America? I have only ever read about it) ask for a doggy bag after their meal. That way, they can pop the dog in and save the dog's train fare on their way home.

Thanks Lynn for that clarification I'll be sure to pay for a ticket if I needed to hop on the trams home on a rainy day like today.

Longbyt! Your dog has a GA?! Wow! That's kinda cool! Well she's not my dog, and the owner has a car (which is probably why she doesn't need to take her on public transport) but I don't. LOL --> Doggy Bag joke! good one

One more question, they're allowed in shops, cafes and restaurants but not supermarkets... yes or no? I assume dogs are allowed anywhere unless there is a sign that says so?

yup, half fair on all public transport.

Dogs can't get a half (half half??) tax card to reduce this either.

When we travel with a baby in a pram (takes up loads of space) and our dog (sits under the seat) we have to pay for the dog but the baby travels free, weird huh?

Dogs are not allowed in supermarkets.

Careful when you tie them up outside, people steal dogs believe it or not.

The SBB explains it all on their website (in English):
http://mct.sbb.ch/mct/en/reisemarkt/...ssen/hunde.htm

General points

Dogs of any size* travelling in passenger carriages or luggage vans must always pay second-class half fare or the stipulated minimum fare (Day Card for dogs, GA for dogs) if there is one.

* small dogs up to 30 cm high at the top of their shoulder blades can travel with you free of charge as carriage hand luggage provided they are in a carrier, basket or other suitable container


Other public transportation authorities may have other rules.

__________________
Liability for any statements hereinabove excluded! - Need a Swiss lawyer PM me.

OMG Yes they do steal dogs! I THINK I saw it happen once, but I was on a bus at the time. There was a dog tied up outside a local Coop and some old woman walking past stopped to pet the dog. She started walking away but then later turned back and paced around in front of the doors 2 - 3 times and picked up the dog and walked off! By then the bus had already pulled out and driven away. But I was not ready to believe it until now.

Thanks Mica for the link

I take my (small) dog on the bus and tram all the time and do not buy her a ticket. Have never had a problem - but - she is well behaved, sits at my feet and is out of the way.

On the train, she sits in a bag.

michellelh, Hmm... so here's the other side of the question huh? This was what I was wondering about as I had heard some people say it's free unless your dog is big. But the SBB link provided by Mica explains the rules so I'll play it safe

I'll make sure to get a dog with very low shoulder blades.

Thanks for the info, guys.

thats the SBB ruling, however my understanding for Bern Mobil is under 30cm, dog travels free.

suggest you check with Bern Mobil next time you are in town, they have an office right next to the UBS on Bahnhofplatz.

EDIT : 30 cm is the reg, here from Bern Mobil site

Yeap, I checked with the Bernmobil people while I was in town, dogs under 30cm ride for free but not on trains, for trains the SBB rules apply. They couldn't see the dog from behind the counter so I had to pick her up to show them. Wouldn't the fact that they could not see her make it pretty obvious how short she is?
The link didn't work by the way... here's the site.

I thought the doggy bag thing was a joke?? Do people really not bring their dogs out with them outside of Europe? Come to think of it, when I lived in New Zealand apart from walking them, going to beaches and dog parks, I never took my dogs out shopping and stuff with me.

Verily, verily, 'twas indeed. I obviously should have put a at the end.

My warped sense of humour will get me into trouble one day. Come to think of it - it already has! Quite often!

My wife used to ride the bus to work here in Geneva. She noticed on several days that a dog would get on the bus, with no owner, and then get off the bus 4 stops later.

After seeing this a few times, she asked the bus driver what the deal was. Apparently the dog was an assistance dog for a wheelchair bound quadriplegic, and would take the bus to go visit a dog trainer a few times a week. The dog was trained to get on the correct bus and knew the proper stops to use.

As amazing as this is, the dog was often fined 80 chf for not purchasing a pass. Just kidding!

Were you kidding about the story or just the 'fine' bit?

I'm scheduled to raise a Potential Seeing-Eye Pup from end-September onwards. Wish me luck, people!

Good luck with the seeing eye pup. What a cool thing to do!

e.

that's because switzerland is a more baby-friendly than dog-friendly country so far I only see dogs (but not baby) being carried by a leash

pls allow me to side track a little bit, what is the reason of not allowing dog in supermarket here??? I see dog in department store (same as supermarket, they got lots of stuff ) and even restaurants (same as supermarket, they have food product).....

There are shelves with vegetables or bread on snout height in a supermarket, that a briefly unwatched dog could touch. There are less problems of this kind in stationary situations like trains and restaurants.