3 hours ago
2
Socko the rescue cat explores all corners of Brisbane on the shoulder of his companion or in his carrier. He even runs on paths at Mount Coot-tha.
But there’s one mode of transport he’s ironically excluded from: the CityCat.
Meet Socko the Brisbane city cat who is banned from riding the CityCat.
“I understand that no one would expect that a person would take a cat outdoors anyway, but it’s happening, and I know I’m not the only one,” said cat owner Sara Calle Herrera.
Pet dogs were welcomed aboard CityCats and ferries in Brisbane in mid-2020 after a six-month trial, though they’re only allowed to travel during off-peak times on weekdays and all weekend.
Cats, however, weren’t included in this policy, and Translink has no plans to amend this exclusion, a Department of Transport and Main Roads spokesperson told this masthead.
Socko explores Brisbane – including trails at Mount Coot-tha – on the shoulder of his companion or on a leash by her side.
“When it comes down to being outdoors, I can take him pretty much everywhere, and the CityCats are a major way to move around Brissy,” Calle Herrera said.
“Being excluded means that if I need to take Socko to the vet and I don’t have my car with me, I’m very limited.
“Dogs are allowed on the CityCat – it doesn’t make any sense that cats aren’t allowed. It’s all about responsible pet ownership, and in certain conditions, it should be perfectly safe.”
The Ascot local moved from Spain around a decade ago, adopting 10-month-old Socko in April this year. Since then, she’s familiarised him with many pockets of the city, turning him into somewhat of a celebrity.
“A lot of people say they’ve never seen a cat outdoors, especially [one] so relaxed and curious. It’s really beautiful to see that Socko is not just making me happier but making other people’s days around the neighbourhood and Brissy.”
Calle Herrera was first made aware of cats being excluded from the CityCat policy when she hopped aboard with Socko tucked away in his carrier. The crew were “surprised”, but the captain was aware of the policy, and she was politely told to disembark.
“[If you’re in the] outside area of the CityCat, being considerate of people’s allergies, and Socko is in the carrier, then it shouldn’t be a problem,” she said. “I understand that that’s just the way it is at the moment, but hopefully that will change.”
Calle Herrera had contacted Translink about the policy and was told her comments had been noted. She was also awaiting a response from Brisbane City Council. This masthead also contacted the council and was directed to Translink.
In Melbourne, cats and dogs have permission to travel on V/Line trains if they’re in suitable animal containers that meet certain guidelines, while Sydney allows small pets on light rail, buses and ferries inside a carrier.
Calle Herrera moves around the city by car, foot and soon bike, and says she isn’t setting out to shake up Brisbane’s public transport system; rather, she’s hoping for a “small win”.
At the same time, she hopes to encourage other cat owners to venture outside with their furry friends.
“After getting Socko more outdoors and having more cat owners seeing Socko outdoors, maybe they will also get their cats outdoors, and maybe Brisbane will become more of a city where cat owners walk their cats as well.”
Start the day with a summary of the day’s most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter.
Most Viewed in National
Loading
