Snakes on a train? OC Transpo risks becoming 'Noah's Ark,' councillor warns

Cats, small dogs and yes, even snakes could soon be allowed aboard OC Transpotrains and buses, and at least one city councillor is warning fur will fly when the change takes effect.

Ottawa's transit commission passed a motion Wednesday to allow small pets in carriers on all buses and light rail trains,starting this spring. That will extend to the new Confederation Line after the LRTsystem begins operating later this year.

Currently, only service animals are allowed aboard OC Transpo.

It could be snakes on a train, who knows? Maybe Noah's Arkby the end of the day.- Coun. Tim Tierney

Howeverexactly what constitutes a "small pet" became a point of contention duringWednesday's meeting.

"I have to think it's probably more than just cats and dogs. It could be snakes on a train, who knows? Maybe Noah's Arkby the end of the day," said Beacon Hill-Cyrville Coun. Tim Tierney, who suggested passengers might even start bringing pet skunks along for the ride.

In fact, pet snakes or skunks however unlikely could technically be allowed under the new rules,according to Pat Scrimgeour, OC Transpo's director of planning.

Lap-sized carrier

Theonly restriction is that ananimal hasto be small enough to fit inside alap-sizedcontainer so it won't interact with other passengers, Scrimgeoursaid.

Tierney also questioned howpassengers with severe allergies would be affected.But Sabrina Phoenix, an OC Transpouser who addressed the commission,dismissed that concern.

"On a regular day, the amount of pet hair, dander and saliva I have present on my clothing and personal belongingsI believe is far more superior than what my animal would produce while in their carrier on board the bus or train," Phoenix said.

The university studenttold the commission she's on a limited budget and can easily spend $25 on a taxi or Uberride to take her cat to the nearest vet.

Scrimgeoursaid in the event a passenger suffers asevere allergic reaction, transit operators are trained to provide medical assistance.

Bikes get green light

The commission went against the recommendations of both city staff and chair Stephen Blaisby voting to allowbicyclesaboard Confederation Line trains at all times, instead of just during off-peak hours.

"We are trying to encourage, as a city, people to use alternatives to the private vehicle for lots of different trips, and allowing bikes on the LRT without time of day restrictions is going to help residents to do that," said Kitchissippi Ward Coun. Jeff Leiper, who proposed the change.

• No bikes on LRT during peak hours, staff report recommends

For each bike, an estimated three or four riders would be displaced on a train that can carry up to about 600 passengers. Each train can accommodate two or three bikesin a designated area at the front of the first car. If there isn't room for another cyclist, they're expected to wait for the next train.

According to the last census, cyclists account for 2.6 per cent of all commuters in Ottawa, whereas transit riders make up nearly 20 per cent.

Blais, the lone voice of dissent on the commission, argued OC Transpo passengers are already being asked to accept a great deal of change, and warned one more inconvenience could spark conflict.

"Now we're going to be asking them to give up space to accommodate cyclists who aren't paying any extra to take up three or four spots," Blaissaid.

"I think ... the risk of something going wrong is very minimal," Leiperargued, pointing out large strollers are also allowed aboard trainsand buses.

"I have a tremendous confidence in the residents of Ottawa to be able to organize themselves in such a way that they can get on the train easily and without the conflicts."

Staff will evaluate how many cyclists take the train at various times of day, and report back to council in the spring of 2020.

The report approved by the transit commission also recommends allowing buskers to perform inLRT stations without paying a fee.

The proposal goes to council next Wednesday.