Public transport in Biscay is preparing for a major transformation in its regulations. Metro Bilbao has decided to take a step forward to adapt to current social realityThis allows dogs weighing over eight kilos to travel on public transport. This measure represents a paradigm shift from the rules in place until now, aiming to integrate pets more naturally into urban mobility in the city and its surrounding areas.
The decision was not accidental, but rather responds to a citizen demand that accumulated thousands of signatures There is already a growing trend across Europe regarding the inclusion of pets in public spaces. The updated regulations, specifically Article 18 of the General Terms and Conditions, aim to balance the right of owners to travel with their dogs and the comfort of other passengers, establishing a series of mandatory guidelines that will come into effect soon.
Time slots and restrictions for large dogs
To prevent the presence of large animals from coinciding with peak user traffic times, the company has set very specific time restrictions during working daysThose in charge of dogs weighing over eight kilos will not be allowed to enter stations between 7:00 and 10:00, from 13:00 to 16:00, or during the afternoon shift from 18:00 to 20:00. This ensures that journeys during the workday and school day continue to flow smoothly for passengers.
In addition to these weekday restrictions, the regulations focus on nightlife and large events. These animals will not be allowed entry. during Friday and Saturday nightsFrom 22:00 PM onwards, and on days with particularly high traffic, such as match days at San Mamés or during Aste Nagusia (Bilbao's main festival), pets are not allowed. On Sundays and public holidays, however, users will have greater flexibility, as they can travel with their pets throughout the day, provided that no large crowds form that could compromise safety.
Safety requirements and mandatory equipment
Safety is a non-negotiable point in this new phase of the Biscay metro. All dogs exceeding the established weight limit will be required to... wear the muzzle at all timesRegardless of its temperament or breed. Furthermore, the person accompanying the animal must keep it on a fixed, non-extendable leash no longer than 50 centimeters to maintain complete control over the pet in the corridors and platforms.
Regarding their location within the train, the animals have Access prohibited to the first and last car of each train. These spaces are reserved primarily for wheelchair users or families with strollers, so dog owners must go to the intermediate carriages. Under no circumstances are animals allowed on the seats; they must remain on the floor of the vehicle at all times without obstructing other passengers.
Mobility in the station and respect for other users
Transit through the subway infrastructure also has its own rules. For the animal's physical safety, it has been The use of escalators and moving walkways is prohibited.The elevators must always be used to change levels. However, please remember that users with reduced mobility or special needs have absolute priority in using the elevators, and dog owners must wait their turn without causing a disturbance or imposing their presence.
One striking aspect of the new regulations is the protocol for dealing with potential objections from other passengers. If a person expresses feel intimidated or frightened by the petThe dog owner is required to move to another area of ​​the train to avoid tense situations. Civil liability for any accident or damage the animal may cause rests solely with the person accompanying it, who must exercise extreme caution, especially when the automatic doors are opening and closing.
This regulatory relaxation, which does not alter the rights of assistance dogs or the rules for small animals traveling in carriers, represents a victory for animal rights groups. With the new wording, Bilbao joins other European capitals in the search for a more inclusive transport modelwhere coexistence between humans and pets is possible thanks to clear regulations that prioritize civic responsibility and safety. The success of this initiative will now depend on the exemplary behavior of owners to demonstrate that the subway can be a space shared by everyone.