Self-advocacy toolkit: Taxi and rideshares.

What are your rights as a Guide Dog Handler?

You have the right to:

• Travel with a Guide Dog or accredited Assistance Animal.
• Be treated with respect and dignity.
• Use your taxi transport subsidy card or voucher in taxis.
• Report discrimination or poor treatment.

Under the Disability Discrimination Act 1992, it’s unlawful for a driver to refuse you because of your Guide Dog or disability. This is backed by state laws, including:

• Anti-Discrimination Act 1977 (NSW).
• Discrimination Act 1991 (ACT).
• Companion Animals Act 1998 (NSW).
• Domestic Animals Act 2000 (ACT).
• Point to Point Transport Regulation 2017 (NSW).

What to do if you’re refused a ride.

In the moment:

1. Stay calm. Refusals can be upsetting, but staying calm helps you advocate effectively.
2. Ask why. “Can I ask why you’re refusing?”
3. State your rights. “This is my Guide Dog. I have the legal right to travel with them.” You may want to also show your Access Rights Card or Guide Dog ID.

Sample scripts:

• “My Guide Dog helps me navigate safely. He or she is legally allowed in all public transport, including taxis and rideshares.”
• “This Taxi Transport Subsidy is part of a government program. You’re required by law to accept it, or accept a paper voucher if you don’t have the cab charge machine.”
• “If you’re unsure, we can call your manager or the Point to Point Transport Commissioner together.”

Tips for difficult conversations:

• Speak clearly and calmly.
• Take deep breaths if you feel overwhelmed.
• If the driver won’t change their mind, end the conversation and report it.
• It’s okay if you don’t feel up to advocating in the moment, your wellbeing always comes first.

Other notes.

• Taxi tips: Taxi numbers are printed, tactile, and in Braille on the passenger door. Taxis also have security cameras installed. It is useful to note where you were standing, for example, near the passenger door, in case footage of the issue can be used for evidence.
• Rideshare tip: Driver and vehicle details may not be available, so record what you can.
• NSW: Drivers can be fined up to $3,300, with the Point to Point Transport Commissioner able to issue penalty notices of $1,000 for a refusal.
• ACT: Fines for refusals can reach $8,000 and are applied for under the Domestic Animals Act (2000).

Only call 000 if you’re in immediate danger.

What is the Taxi Transport Subsidy Scheme?

• A card or voucher that gives you 50 percent off taxi fares (up to $60 in NSW, and up to $46 in the ACT).
• For people who are blind or have a long-term disability.
• Only works with taxis, not rideshares.

Do drivers have to accept the Taxi Transport Subsidy?

Yes. If they refuse:

1. Stay calm and explain: “This is a government program. You’re required to accept it.”
2. Record the driver’s details.
3. Report it to the relevant authority.

Quick checklist for before you travel

• Have your Taxi Transport Subsidy card or voucher ready.
• Let someone know your trip details.
• Ask the driver to confirm their name.
• Keep a record if something goes wrong.
• Optional: Add a note in your taxi profile about your Guide Dog. You’re not required to, but it may help avoid issues.
• Reminder: You have a responsibility to ensure your Guide Dog is well-groomed and clean.