Most of the major cities in the world allow dogs of all sizes on their transit system.
For a city like Vancouver that claims to want to remove cars from the road, having a dog in the city leave you with no option but to own a car.
Dog owners are forced to own a car in Vancouver as the parks are few and far between, making it challenging to get to parks without a car as dogs are not allowed on public transit either. Other cities in Canada & US have a dog friendly transit system and have been successful for years.
It would be nice if even making one bus route across the waters edge which is dog friendly which would stop at dog friendly beaches during summer (Kits dog beach, Spanish Banks, New Brighton Beach, CRAB Park). Every summer Spanish banks has a huge problem with parking. Creating a dog friendly bus would be a fun way for the dog community to get together!
Below are a few city's with their Transit dog policy's:
***Toronto, ON (TTC, 416-393-INFO, http://www.city.toronto.on.ca/ttc): Both small and large dogs are allowed during non-rush hour on the subway, buses, and streetcars. Pets must be on a leash or in a carrier.
***Boston, MA (MBTA, 617-222-3200, http://www.mbta.com): Both small and large dogs are allowed on the Boston T (subway). Small dogs may be transported in a carrier. Larger dogs may be taken on the T during off-peak hours and must be leashed and controlled at all times. At no time should a pet compromise safety, get in a passenger's way or occupy a seat.
***Nantucket, MA (NRTA, 508-228-7025, NRTA): Both small and large dogs are allowed on the shuttle buses. Pets must be leashed or caged, well-behaved, clean and dry, and pets cannot sit on the seats.
***San Francisco, CA (SF Municipal Railway, 415-673-6864, http://www.sfmuni.com): Both small and large dogs are allowed on cable cars, historic streetcars and trolley buses. People must pay the same fare for their dog that they do for themselves. Dogs are allowed to ride on Muni vehicles from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and from 7 p.m. to 5 a.m. on weekdays, and all day on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays. Dogs must be muzzled and on a short leash or in a small closed container.
***Put-in-Bay, OH (Lilm Kiln Bus, 419-285-4855, http://www.put-in-bay-trans.com/lkbus.htm): Well-behaved dogs on leash are allowed on the island shuttle bus as long as there is room for them. The bus transports passengers between the Miller Ferry Dock (Lilm Kiln Dock) and downtown Put-in-Bay. The fare is $2 per person one way.
***Seattle, WA (King County Metro, 206-553-3000, http://transit.metrokc.gov): Both small and large dogs are allowed on the street cars and buses. Small dogs that fit in their owner's lap ride for free. Large dogs are charged the same fare as their owner and should not occupy a seat. Large dogs should ride on the floor of the bus, preferably under the seat. If you have a very large dog, it is up to the driver as to whether or not your dog will be allowed. One large dog per bus is allowed. Dogs must be leashed.