[nagdu] taxi reusal in Brooklyn, new York

[Nicole B. Torcolini at Home]

It is sad that it is happening, but at least there seems to be some positive 
outcome when people do something about it. A while back, I needed a ride 
back to campus from a doctor's office. I called my regular taxi company, but 
they said that they did not have any drivers in the area and gave me another 
number (this had nothing to do with Lexia). I called the other company and 
was told that a cab would come in about 15 minutes. When 15 minutes had 
passed, I received a call. However, it was not to tell me that my cab was 
there but rather to tell me that the dispatcher was looking for a driver 
because all of the drivers that she had contacted said that they were afraid 
of dogs. The driver that did finally come was very nice. That Monday (the 
incident happened on a Friday), I called the company and asked to speak to 
the manager. The dispatcher asked why, and I told her that it was about a 
misunderstanding. When she inquired more, I explained that there had been a 
great delay in getting a taxi because drivers had refused to take me. The 
dispatcher immediately connected me to the manager. The manager was very 
surprised, and I think at least a little upset. She got as much information, 
such as the date and time, from me, and she said that she would make sure 
that it did not happen again.
    On the flip side, the taxi company that I usually use works really well. 
They know that I have Lexia, and they have her in their computer system, so 
they ask if I am bringing her. There are a few different drivers who know 
who I am, and, when the see the request for a cab from someone in my area 
with a guide dog, they will immediately come if they are near.

Nicole and Lexia

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "marilyn" <t21114 at optonline.net>
To: "nagdu" <nagdu at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Saturday, March 17, 2012 8:01 AM
Subject: [nagdu] taxi reusal in Brooklyn, new York


> Hi Everyone,
> My friend who is a guide dog user (just got a new dog) was in Brooklyn 
> last night. the paratransit gave him a voucher for a taxi since they 
> couldn't send a bus for him. He was going back to Queens where he lives 
> and the taxi driver refused to take him because the driver told him I 
> don't like dogs. My friend called the paratransit company and he asked 
> them what are you going to do about this. Her reply was we are sending 
> another taxi for you and your should have told us you have a dog. He told 
> them he doesn't have to tell them he is traveling with a dog.  He has the 
> names and phone number of 3 people who witnessed the man refusing to take 
> him home.
> He asked me if he should pursue it on Monday and I told him yes.
> Its sad in this day and age with more people using Guide Dogs than ever 
> before that this is still happening.
> Marilyn and Anna
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