TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Taipei Rapid Transit Corporation (TRTC) welcomed pets and pet owners aboard the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) system’s Red Line running between Tamsui and Xiangshan on Sunday (March 31). 

The event was organized in response to International Pet Day, which is celebrated in some countries on April 11. Four trains were selected to serve as pet-friendly trains for the day, with each one making a round trip on the Red Line, for a total of 8 trips in each direction, reported CNA.

Sunday’s event, which was only for the day, builds upon the success of the TRTC’s offering of Pet Day charter trains, which were organized last year. Unlike last year, pet owners did not need to register to ride the MRT for this year’s event.

Dogs and cats were allowed to out of their cages on the MRT as long as they wore a leash or harness. However, prior to boarding the train, pet owners were still required to keep them in a container as they entered the MRT stations, which frustrated several pet owners who were unaware of the stipulation.

The first trains departed Xiangshan and Tamsui MRT stations at 1 p.m., with compartments divided into cat cars and dog cars to keep the peace along the journey. MRT staff, pet trainers, and veterinarians were on call on board trains and at stations along the MRT lines to respond to any emergency situations that arose, per CNA. 

According to a statement from the TRTC, they ensured that the operation of the pet-friendly MRT trains did not disrupt traffic for other commuters. Further, the carriages used for Sunday’s event were thoroughly cleaned and disinfected Sunday evening, and air filters were also replaced before the regular weekly operations resumed on Monday (April 1). 

Check out some photos below.