[NFBNJ] Reminder: NFB's rideshare testing program

Mon Apr 8 03:30:16 UTC 2019

   Greetings to all!
Received the following to distribute to all on the NFBNJ distribution list.
please read, share and save the valuable information that Trisha Ebel, 
member of the NFBNJ Guide Dog Committee has provided
See below.
Warmly,
Joe

We care. We share. We grow. We make a difference
Joe Ruffalo, President
National Federation of the Blind of New Jersey
973 743 0075
nfbnj1 at verizon.net
www.nfbnj.org
Raising Expectations To Live The Life You Want!

Your old car keys can be keys to literacy for the blind.
Donate your unwanted vehicle to us by clicking
www.carshelpingtheblind.org
or call 855 659 9314

From: Trisha
Sent: Sunday, April 07, 2019 10:22 PM
To: 'Anexis' ; Belinda Valdes ; Christina Brino ; Charles P. McKenna ; 
carcione at access.net ; cheiro_alice at aol.com ; Dnhale0909 at gmail.com ; Deryn 
Hespos ; Danielle Sykora ; Eileenlevin at comcast.net ; Ginger at ky2d.com ; 
ibehreini at drew.edu ; imaanahs91 at yahoo.com ; Jo Luland ; john luland ; Joseph 
Braz ; Jonathan Goodman ; Melissa Allman ; Michael Moran ; mbhrr15 at gmail.com 
; nagui ; New Jersey Association of Guide Dog Users ; pslwebber at aol.com ; 
sleahy at hcnj.us
Cc: Richard Fox ; Joe Ruffalo ; danfb at verizon.net ; 
Melissa.Durnan at dhs.state.nj.us ; Lester Cameron ; Yingling, Valerie
Subject: Reminder: NFB's rideshare testing program
Hello Guide Dog Users,

Below is information about the Ubor and Lyft rideashare program.  If you use
either service I am asking that you take the survey.   It is really
important and I encourage you to do so.  Below is information about the
program and here is the link to get right to the survey.

https://nfb.org/programs-services/legal-program/uber-and-lyft-survey.

Uber and Lyft Information

In an effort to resolve allegations of Uber and Lyft driver discrimination
against passengers with service animals, the National Federation of the
Blind recently entered into landmark settlement agreements with both
rideshare companies.

Terms of the agreements require Uber and Lyft to revise their policies and
procedures to include additional training for employees and contractors, and
contract termination for drivers who knowingly or repeatedly deny rides to
individuals with service animals. The agreements also include requirements
for data gathering and testing, so that the NFB can assess Uber and Lyft's
efforts to provide equal access to riders with service animals.

On May 8, 2017, the NFB began conducting nationwide testing to ensure that
riders with service animals are neither denied transportation nor treated
disrespectfully by Lyft and Uber. To best assess whether Uber and Lyft are
complying with their agreement terms, we need to gather monthly data
nationwide for the duration of the agreements. This regular testing will
help ensure that the NFB meets its legal obligations as per the settlements.

If you are an Uber or Lyft customer who has a service animal or travels with
someone who has a service animal, please complete the Uber and Lyft survey
<https://nfb.org/programs-services/legal-program/uber-and-lyft-survey>  as
often as you can.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can be a tester?

Any Uber or Lyft customer who has a service animal or travels with someone
who has a service animal can be a tester. Testers can be NFB members or
nonmembers.

What is needed from testers?

After ordering or completing a ride, the tester would promptly complete the
online questionnaire. Testers would repeat this process as often as
possible, monthly at minimum.

What is the link to the testing tool?

nfb.org/programs-services/legal-program/uber-and-lyft-survey

How do I know if Uber or Lyft is available where I live?

You can check the companies' respective webpages: uber.com/cities
<https://www.uber.com/cities/>  or lyft.com/cities
<https://www.lyft.com/cities> . You can also enter your location into each
company's app to find out if a driver is available.

What questions does the testing tool ask?

The online questionnaire will prompt you to enter your name and email
address, the date and time of your Lyft or Uber ride, whether that ride was
canceled because of your service animal, whether the driver treated you
disrespectfully, and whether you were charged a cleaning fee because of your
service animal, among other information.

What will happen with the testing data?

The NFB and counsel will use your testing feedback to assess whether Uber
and Lyft are meeting their settlement agreement terms and to urge greater
compliance where needed.

What are the dates for the testing program?

The NFB's Uber and Lyft testing program began May 8, 2017, and will continue
for the three- to five-year duration of the agreements.

Is testing nationwide?

The NFB's Uber and Lyft testing program will be administered nationwide,
including in Puerto Rico. There will be a special push to gather Lyft data
from targeted municipalities: Baltimore, Seattle, Dallas-Fort Worth, Boston,
New York, Nashville, Phoenix, Philadelphia, Chicago, Denver, Los Angeles,
San Francisco, Sacramento, and the District of Columbia.

Can I report on a Lyft or Uber ride in a state other than where I live?

Yes, testers are encouraged to complete the online questionnaire for any
Lyft and Uber experience, regardless of the location.

If I'm denied transportation by Uber or Lyft because of a service animal,
should I also register a complaint with the company?

Yes, in addition to filling out the NFB's online questionnaire, we also ask
that you report discrimination to the rideshare company via the company's
website, app, or by phone. The agreements require Uber and Lyft to
investigate reports and, if appropriate, take action against the drivers.

*    Uber complaint form
<https://help.uber.com/h/5f3eac46-e977-44a0-873e-f1881d48f4cb>  or, for
critical safety concerns, 800-285-9481
*    Lyft complaint form
<https://help.lyft.com/hc/en-us/requests/new?ticket_form_id=813147>  or
877-452-4866

Learn how to file complaints directly with the rideshare providers by
reading these Guidelines for Effective Uber and Lyft Service Animal
Complaints.

Sincerely,

Trisha Ebel

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