Public transit in DC hates dogs, too

Good news, Sound Transit: You're not the only dog-hating, public-transit organization in America!

In Washington, D.C. last week on business, I traveled to Arlington Cemetery via the Metrorail rapid transit system. The second-largest subway system in the country, Metrorail also bars canines -- service dogs not withstanding -- from their trains. In fact, the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority bars pets from riding on the system's buses and trains. "However," the District of Columbia transit authority assures its passengers, "a pet can be transported on Metrorail and Metrobus in a secure container as long as there is no possibility that the pet can get free."

Has anybody at Metro in DC tried to stuff an Akita in a "secure container"? Get real.

Makes you appreciate our local Metro transit all the more (or resent it less): Metro permits dogs to ride its buses. For the record, I'd much prefer riding a bus with a dog than some of the passengers on routes 7, 23, 101, 124, 150, 174 and 358.

Leaving on the light rail to Sodo (gonna be right be his side)

The faithful readers of Denizens of Genesee Park (DDGP) have spoken, and Sound Transit should take notice. Eighty-three percent of those surveyed voted that the public transit authority should reverse its policy and permit dogs to ride its buses, trains and light rail.

Sixteen percent of respondents questioned the existence of urban mass transit in the Jet City.

Presently, Sound Transit bars fare-paying dogs from riding its vehicles. If Barkley wants to ride light rail, he'd better be donning a service animal's vest... or in a crate. Otherwise , it's "no dogs allowed (or birds)."

Consider that a vocal minority of Seattle residents and policymakers want us to ditch our vehicles -- and rely solely on public transit or car-sharing programs. (Ironically, these same politicos who approve plans that reduce parking spaces at affordable-housing projects are the same individuals who drive their SUVs through downtown and the Rainier Valley. Whatta coinky-dink!) These Bizarro World Robert Moseses don't seem to grasp that until public transit accommodates our travel destinations -- beyond downtown, Safeco and Qwest fields, International District and a few restaurants in Columbia City -- that we will continue to drive. Barring one's dogs from riding Sound Transit doesn't make one any less inclined to post the Jetta on Craig's List.

Want Sound Transit to revisit its anti-canine policy? Contact them at:

http://www.soundtransit.org/About-Us/Contact-Us.xml

Of course, there are times when you may not want to ride light rail with your dog. Or alone.

Service dogs: Fill 'er up, check the tires and the fluids

The New York Times ran a story recently about therapy dogs. Once used to assist the visually impaired, contemporary service dogs anticipate seizures and anxiety minutes before onset, maintain the emotional stability of people with psychiatric disorders. The Kreskins of the canine world.

Are these service dogs intellectually gifted or intuitive to their owners' needs? One service dog reportedly possesses a 500-word vocabulary. One border collie knew 1,500 words. That's 624 more words than a syndicated wingnut.

If my dog learned a special skill to improve my life, he'd get to ride Sound Transit for free. Actually, he would have the right merely to board light rail.

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/01/weekinreview/01kershaw.html?em

Your dog isn't good enough to ride Sound Transit

Have no car and plan to visit the city's off-eash areas? You gotta go Metro: Sound Transit bars dogs (service animals notwithstanding) that are not crated or contained from riding their spiffy buses, trains and light rail.

Metro permits canine ridership regardless of service status. A small dog that fits on a owner's lap rides free. "Large" dogs must be leashed, Metro says. These hulking creatures, according to Metro, "pay the same fare as their owner and may not occupy a seat, but should ride on the floor of the coach next to their owner." Pay full fare and sit on the sticky floor. How's that for third- or fourth-class citizenship?

On the other hand, it's not like light rail takes you where you need to go. And nobody complains if your dog smells... he fits right in with a few of his fellow passengers.

If you want to discuss public transportation and dog ridership with your friends at Metro and Sound Transit:

http://metro.kingcounty.gov/cs/feedback_choose.html

http://www.soundtransit.org/About-Us/Contact-Us.xml

If you want to plan a bus trip to Genesee Park and the lovely Rainier Valley via Metro:

http://tripplanner.kingcounty.gov/cgi-bin/itin_page.pl?resptype=U