Most Bus Drivers Reportedly Against Pets On The Bus

A representative for capital area bus drivers says almost all of them are against letting pets ride the bus, with many threatening to quit if it happens.

As the idea of letting pets ride the bus has been gaining traction, it has also raised criticism from passengers with allergies and asthma. RÚV now reports that almost all the bus drivers themselves are against the idea, too.

A 14-person work group is currently examining the logistics of the idea, putting forth such caveats as pets being barred during especially high-traffic times, requiring harnesses for large dogs and muzzles for excitable dogs. However, Jónas Jakobsson, a representative for capital area bus drivers, believes that “some 95% to 97%” of bus drivers are against letting pets on the bus.

Apart from the drivers who are allergic to or frightened of dogs, there is also the general belief that Icelanders “do not follow the rules”, and dealing with passengers wanting to bring their pets on board will cause nothing but grief for drivers. Jónas contends furthermore that, despite good experiences in other countries with letting pets on the bus, “the culture [in other countries] regarding dog ownership is much broader and more mature than in Iceland”.

Should the plan go into effect, it will run for a temporary time to a limited capacity, with a tentative date set for this autumn to try it out.