Uber driver refused to take a blind man’s guide dog in his car because it was against his RELIGION
The humiliated driver was forced to call back and offer a lift free of charge, which the customer turned down
UBER has been forced to apologise to a blind student after one of its drivers refused to let a guide dog in his car, claiming it was against his religion.
Social media student Charles Bloch, 22, used the taxi firm’s smart phone app to call a cab to take himself and two-year-old lab Carlo to the park in Leicester.
Charles, who has been blind with cataracts since birth, called the driver to let him know he would be bringing his guide dog.
However, he refused to take them, saying it was an “unclean animal” and “might try to lick him.”
When Charles told him it was illegal to refuse a lift to a blind passenger with a guide dog, the driver became strangely hostile and asked “Are you threatening me?” before hanging up.
Charles complained to the company and the humiliated driver called back and offered a lift free of charge.
Unsurprisingly, the offer was refused and Charles booked another taxi.
The De Montford University student said: “He didn’t say exactly what religion he was but that his beliefs said that dogs were unclean animals.
“He asked if my dog would lick him because guide dogs have to sit in the front passenger seat. It was a very bizarre thing to say.
“I told him no because Carlo is so well-tempered. I told him it was against the law not to carry a guide dog and that the only reason he could refuse was if he was allergic to dogs.”
“But he was quite abrupt and asked if I was threatening him.
“I felt quite disheartened and quite let down. It was a shocking moment.
“It was quite intimidating. It was my first time using Uber but this experience has put me off using them for life.”
In March 2003, the Disability Discrimination Act was extended to make it illegal for minicab drivers to refuse to carry guide dogs for blind passengers.
An Uber spokesman said: “We would like to again extend our sincere apologies to Mr Bloch.
“It is not acceptable to refuse guide dogs.
“While the licensed drivers who use our app are self-employed, weremind them of their legal obligation to take service animals before they can start driving.
“Any Uber partner-driver who doesn’t accept service animals not only risks having their Uber partnership revoked but also risks having their private hire licence taken away.”
Just three days ago, another Uber driver was fined £1550 for refusing to take a guide dog in his taxi.