TAXICAB DRIVERS HAVE THE RIGHT TO:

• refuse or discharge any passenger for disorderly or verbally abusive behaviour;
• refuse any passengger who is involved in any illegal activity;
• discharge any passenger who becomes dangerous and causes harm to others
• refuse a fare which could lead the driver into a dangerous situation;
• disallow any smoking or drinking in the taxicab;
• collect the exact fare as determined from the taximeter or flat-rate free plan; and
• know the exact destination of the passenger before embarking on any trip.

PROVIDING GOOD SERVICE TO CUSTOMERS WITH DISABILITIES

RIGHTS & RESPONSIBIOITIES OF DRIVERS AND CUSTOMERS

Drivers Must:

• Provide transportation to any person with a disability;
• Offer assistance to passengers if requested (not to include actual lifting);
• Serve customers with disabilities traveling alone and only use the assistance of family members, companions, or medical/public safety personnel if the customer requests or agrees to help from such individuals;
• Give the same reservation services to customers with disabilities as are available to other customers;
• Not charge customers with disabilities extra fees for necessary assistance. For example, drivers must not charge any fee to stow a wheelchair or other aid devices in the trunk, as they would not charge for a piece of luggage;
• Not deny service to a customer with disability solely because the disability results in appearance or involuntary behavior that may offend, annoy, or inconvenience the driver.

Customers with Disabilities Must:

• Know whether or not they can use a typical taxicab vehicle. Not all taxicabs can accommodate oversized mobility aids;
• Tell drivers if they need help and explain what assistance they need;
• Control their service animals at all times;
• Know their destination;
• Pay their fare;
• Be able to transfer from their mobility aids to the passenger compartment of the taxi without the driver's help.

GENERAL GUIDELINES FOR SERVING CUSTOMERS WITH DISABILITIES

• Treat customers with disabilities as you would like to be treated;
• Take the time to identify customers' needs and determine how best to serve them when you first meet;
• Never make assumption about your customers' physical or mental abilities
• Customers with similar disabilities often have different needs to make independent travel possible;
• ask customers with disabilities if they need assistance. Don't automatically assume they do;
• Do not touch customers without their permission;
• Speak directly to customers with disabilities, not their companions;
• Speak clearly with a normal tone and speed, unless the customer requests otherwise;
• If you are asked to repeat or write what you said, do so calmly and pleasantly
• Smile, listen, and show respect. Be friendly and courteous;
• Give customers with disabilities the same information and choices that you give other customers;
• Solve problems in a professional manner;