Taxi Driver Online

Taxi un-fare over ‘refusal’ to carry blind man’s dog


A blind man claims he was refused a five-minute taxi ride – because he was travelling with his four-legged friend.

Simon Mahoney lost his sight two years ago – and since then has never travelled anywhere without his beloved companion dog Becky.

But on a first-time visit to the town, Mr Mahoney claims a driver for AGS taxis refused to drive him from St Peter’s Street to his stepson’s house in St Augustine’s Road – because the company only allowed guide dogs in cabs.

Mr Mahony, 68, was advised to walk instead. He said: “I was quite vociferous and told them that their policy stinks. But instead of making an exception, the driver started telling me which way to walk.

“I said to him, ‘I presume you’re pointing because I can’t see’.”

Mr Mahoney says the owner of nearby resturant Amici came to his rescue and called another taxi firm.

Mr Mahoney added: “Becky is my companion, friend and protector. She is my link to the outside world. I was so angry they wouldn’t allow her in the car.

“If I was a taxi driver, I would much rather have a dog in the car than a drunk person throwing up. That kind of puts it into perspective.

“I am so disappointed that my first experience of Bedford has been so negative.”

An AGS spokesman said: “We do take dogs. We have some drivers who are dog friendly. I have spoken to our controller on the night who does not remember anyone asking to take a dog.

“I will check CCTV footage.”

Read more: http://www.bedfordtoday.co.uk/news/loca ... z3rHEywIYe

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Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that.
George Carlin

“We do take dogs. We have some drivers who are dog friendly.

tantamount to admitting they have drivers who won't take assistance dogs

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lack of modern legislation is the iceberg sinking the titanic of the transport sector

It would seem that this is not an assistance dog.

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Grandad,

the article doesn't make it clear but the would be passenger was blind and with a dog

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lack of modern legislation is the iceberg sinking the titanic of the transport sector

The chap says it is his companion dog. To me that means it is his pet dog.

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Grandad,

No some assistance dogs are companion dogs there's a chap in a wheelchair in stamford has one it usually wears a hi viz jacket with wording to make it clear

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lack of modern legislation is the iceberg sinking the titanic of the transport sector

You believe what you like but I maintain that it is his pet dog and not any kind of recognised assistance dog. If it were there would be a lot more made of the fact.
Take a look at the link provided. There is a picture of the chap with his dog.

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Grandad,

I read the article as it wasn't an assisted dog.

Therefore the Dis Act doesn't apply.

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IDFIMH

again , will it ever sink in ?

It is easy as to how the public persieve us, the comparison being......"better than a drunk/puker", how does that put it into perspective Oh I know.......we only take out the trash!

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Common sense........is just not that Common.