[nagdu] Lyft/Uber and Service Animal Access

[Shanna Stichler via nagdu]

Hi all,

I used a rideshare program, Lyft
www.lyft.com 
<http://lm.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.lyft.com%2F&h=QAQHfvkJT&enc=AZONraepSPv9jZKGfL4r_e8Tz8i0zdKMGKOzmnjawmwcMsNeebxWm7YFCsqt9Hwl64M&s=1>
to get to a dog class with my trained guide dog that is across town from 
me. This is a competitive obedience class, so not related to service dog 
training at all. Just putting it out there lest someone think my dog is 
still in training, which she is not.

Anyway, the first driver I got refused to take us because he didn't want 
dog hair in his vehicle. My dog is of course well-groomed and rides 
quietly on the floor in any vehicle. He claimed that Lyft's policy is 
that since drivers are working as independent contractors, it is up to 
their discretion whether or not to take a service dog team. I did get 
another driver who was courteous and professional to take me where I 
needed to go, but he did confirm the service animal thing when I asked 
him, so I could be sure the first driver wasn't just making that up.

As far as legalities, do I have a case if I choose to make a formal 
complaint? I know that Uber, another rideshare company, has had similar 
complaints that are currently under investigation. I have written Lyft's 
support staff in order to file a formal complaint with them, so whether 
or not I take further action wil depend on their response to that.
It seems to me that even if a person is an independent contractor under 
the umbrella of an established company that serves the general public, 
they are required to abide by the ADA, yes? I'd love to get any feedback 
that will help me in deciding whether or not to pursue this issue 
further. Thanks so much for your Time.

Shanna with Diamond