figured this out in my sleep:

to make the bay area livable in the near and far future, we need, above all else, free public transit. in discussions about public transit pets are never mentioned and dog-lovers sadly shake their heads, knowing that even the best rail system won't help them take care of their dogs. what we need is a kiddie train for people and dogs that's free for everyone. it would go all over the bay area but mainly along the routes where we now have bicycle paths, which now go past the two best off-leash dog parks and along the bay. the seats on the train would all be fitted with dog harnesses and leash clips to keep everyone safe and it would run three times a day: at 10:00 am, 2:00 pm, and 6:00 p.m. for starters (adjusted during shorter daylight hours and rainy seasons.) there would be no charge, ever. this system, along with free public transit for humans, would go a long way toward reducing our dependence on fossil fuels. the trains could be built from the start to run on bio fuels.

there would be no restrictions for the train since everyone needs to transport their pets. people would be allowed on with or without dogs, and smaller animals would be allowed on so long as they were safely in carriers. dogs would be allowed on without people as well, if they carried route markers on their collars so that the train conductors would know that everything was on the up-and-up. kids over the age of 12 or with special parent-approved tickets would be allowed to ride anytime as well. the train conductors would be licensed and bonded and a second doggie train employee would be aboard at all times to assist with emergencies and loading/unloading. they would both get to wear old-fashioned train conductor uniforms appropriate for the weather. the trains would be uncovered in summer. they'd make "toot toot" sounds so that everyone would know the doggie train was coming 'round the bend.