25 Oct 2024

Blind people with guide dogs left on the curb by taxis

From Nine To Noon, 9:05 am on 25 October 2024
image of Dan Shepherd and his guide dog Ezra

Dan Shepherd and his guide dog Ezra Photo: credit to Blind Low Vision NZ.

Blind Low Vision NZ says people with assistance dogs are constantly experiencing discrimination by ride share services and taxis, illegally refusing their fare. 

Under the Human Rights Act, disability assist dogs are entitled to travel on all forms of public transport, including in taxis.

Blind Low Vision NZ community and inclusion general manager, Dan Shepherd says he and his guide dog Ezra have experienced ride refusal too many times to count.  

And he says a recent client-facing survey has shown that transport is in the top five areas of life where discrimination is prevalent, affecting 40% of respondents.

Also discussing the issue is Warren Quirke who is the Executive Director of the Small Passenger Service Association.

 

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