Hongkongers who buy a HK$99 (US$12.70) monthly pass will be able to take their pets on board light rail trains on weekends and public holidays starting from May 1 under the MTR Corporation’s trial run of its new animal-friendly policy.

After paying for their usual fare, pass-holders can take one cat or dog – which must be kept in an enclosed carrier – for each ride, the rail giant announced on Tuesday. Pet owners may only purchase one pass every month.

The light rail network, which serves the northwestern New Territories, is the first to trial pet-friendly policies, following earlier announcements by the rail giant and franchised bus firm KMB that they were considering allowing small animals on public transport.

The MTR has established guidelines regulating when and how passengers can bring pets onto the trains.

“This is to balance the diverse needs of different passengers,” said Cheris Lee Yuen-ling, chief of operating and metro segment, adding that the trial was currently only running on the weekends and public holidays to avoid affecting other passengers’ travel for school and work on the weekdays.

Lee also reminded the public that pets should be kept in their carriers for the entire journey “for the consideration and safety of other passengers”.