[NAGDU] Rideshare Issues

[Al Elia]

Hello all. I wanted to clear up a few misconceptions about the law.

1. Paratransit, taxis, and rideshares must transport you with your 
service animal;
2. Paratransit companies, taxi companies, rideshare companies, and 
drivers may ask you if your dog is a service animal, if you require it 
because of a disability, and what task it is trained to perform;
3. They cannot refuse to transport you because you have a service 
animal;
4. They may ask you beforehand if you have a service animal, though you 
are not required to answer;
5. At the point of transport, it is unclear whether a driver or company 
would face liability for failing to transport you if you do not answer 
the inquiries described in point 2 above at least once to either the 
driver or the company;
6. A company may not provide you worse service (e.g., delaying pickup) 
because you told them you have a service animal during the booking 
process;
7. Companies may, if they want to, provide you a better service (e.g., 
larger vehicle) at the same time and at  no extra charge because you 
told them you have a service animal during the booking process;
8. If you know that the company provides a better service if you inform 
them about your service animal  during the booking process, and you do 
not so inform them, you cannot demand the better service at the point of 
pickup, though the regular service is required to transport you.


I hope these points have been helpful in clearing up any confusion.

Yours,

/Æ

Al Elia