Private Hire and Black Cabs
Passengers with disabilities are recommended to pre book travel with private hire taxis. When doing so they often state what hep and assistance they will require e.g they have an assistance dog (including guide dogs), they have a wheelchair and any other help they may need.
What are the issues?
Drivers refusing to take assistance dogs (illegal).
Drivers refusing to take a wheelchair or wanting to charge extra for carrying a wheelchair (illegal)
Not providing the help and assistance that has been requested
Result passengers left abandoned. Having to contact the company to request they are picked up and taken to their destination.
What is the result for the Private Hire Company – Reputation Gone, possible legal action and missing out on a share of £274 billion (Purple Pound)
Resolution – Ensure all drivers have Disability Awareness Training and that they will abide by the law when they apply for their licenses.