[NAGDU] almost denied a ride by Uber driver last week

[Al Sten-Clanton]

Last Wednesday, while I was in D.C. for the Washington Seminar, an Uber 
driver tried to deny me and my team a ride to one of the congressional 
buildings because of my guide dog.  The one of us who'd called Uber 
promptly said he'd call 911 and then did it when the driver wouldn't 
relent.  After our guy was on the call for a minute or two, the driver 
said he'd take us and did.  We were in the car by then; I don't know if 
the driver whould have taken off otherwise.


I was relieved, and grateful that our guy acted promptly.  I don't know 
what the law says about this behavior by ride share drivers in D.C., or 
in my own state, for that matter, but I'll presume our man-on-the-spot does.


I was glad to find that the cabs I took, as well as the Uber cars we 
rode in, had decent floor room for my dog.  I've been in many cabs that 
were smaller than those matchbox cars we played with as kids.


Al


On 2/5/23 15:25, Diane Graves via NAGDU wrote:
> HI Tracy and All,
>
> I registered for the seminar as well. I am hoping I can learn some
> strategies.
>
> Sadly, the problem with Uber and Lyft weigh heavily into the decision or
> possible decision of some guide dog users  as to whether or not to go back
> for a successor dog. Some just decide not to deal with the frustration,
> humiliation and uncertainty.
>
> My guess is that there just isn't any real penalty for the drivers who are
> breaking the law. Assuming a complaint is taken seriously by the
> services--which is questionable as well--I think the driver may get a gentle
> reminder of the law or maybe even a stern talking to. However, I doubt very
> seriously that there is any danger of them losing their jobs or being
> suspended as a driver of the service.
>
> Diane Graves
>
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: NAGDU <nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of Tracy Carcione via NAGDU
> Sent: Sunday, February 5, 2023 2:47 PM
> To: 'NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of Guide Dog Users'
> <nagdu at nfbnet.org>
> Cc: Tracy Carcione <carcione at access.net>
> Subject: Re: [NAGDU] the uber service dog line posted to this list is not
> correct.
>
> I'm sorry to read this, as reporting through the app was a complete waste of
> effort last time I did it in the fall.
> I signed up for a seminar which is supposed to help us advocate for service
> dogs with Uber.  I hope it's helpful.
> Tracy
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: NAGDU [mailto:nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Shane Popplestone
> via NAGDU
> Sent: Sunday, February 05, 2023 11:50 AM
> To: oagdu at nfbnet.org; 'NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of Guide
> Dog Users'; NFB of Ohio Announcement and Discussion List
> Cc: Shane Popplestone
> Subject: [NAGDU] the uber service dog line posted to this list is not
> correct.
>
> Hello all,
> Recently, the number, 1-833-715-8237 was posted to both of these lists as a
> dedicated uber service dog denial line.
> In checking into this more thoroughly, this is incorrect and miss-leading
> information, as the number posted is simply another number directing you to
> the safety reporting hot line.
> I was concerned because this information was not posted anywhere publicly by
> Uber in any of their public facing media, blog, news posts, twitter, etc.
> I personally reached out to Uber and asked if this was a correct number for
> reporting such issues, and was informed that no, it was not. This was just
> another number for reaching the general safety issue reporting line and
> while service dog denials could be reported via this number, these issues
> should, for quicker resolution, still be reported via the appropriate
> section of the uber app for proper handling and not via the safety line
> unless the service dog issue was an actual safety issue, I.E. inside the car
> in route.
> Thank you all.
> Shane Popplestone
> vice president of the Ohio Association of blind students member of the
> Grater Akron Chapter member of Ohio Association of Guide Dog users
> spopplestone.nfb at gmail.com The National Federation of the Blind knows that
> blindness is not the characteristic that defines you or your future. Every
> day we raise the expectations of blind people, because low expectations
> create obstacles between blind people and our dreams. You can live the life
> you want; blindness is not what holds you back.
>
>
> --
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