I was charged in a taxi for my wheelchair
By smithy86
@smithy86 (137)
March 18, 2007 6:15pm CST
I know i have already started a discussion about taxis but i am just shocked to my very core. I got a taxi home from the pub tonight as it was starting to snow and they charged me extra money for the fact that i had a wheelchair. I think it is disgusting. I mean when taxi drivers pick up people from the airport they dont charge extra for the luggage so why should they charge me for having a wheelchiar. The wheelchair is now part of me so the fact that i have to pay practically double fare as to what a fit and well person would is embarrassing, soul destroying nad damn right ignorant. What is this world coming to. Its turning into a capitalist greedy money grabbing society which im sure is not the way people who live in third world countries think about
3 people like this
14 responses
@divvynuts (58)
• Andorra
19 Mar 07
i think it is outrageous that someone could try and get more money out of disabled people. I mean as the people who commented before me said, they wouldnt charge for an extra person, nor do they charge people for suitcases. What are the charging for the 2minutes extra it takes you to get out of the cab and into the chair? or was it having to get off their seat to lift your wheelchair into the trunk
2 people like this
@Perry2007 (2229)
• Philippines
20 Mar 07
You are right, why should you be chared extra. If that thing happened in on my country, I can ban that driver so he wont drive ever. You should complain to the proper authorities. That is a case against consumers, pasenger for your case. Teach people some lessons.
@CaroleeKaufold (1853)
• United States
19 Mar 07
That is awful! They wouldn't charge for an extra person right?
1 person likes this
@Phaedra_Scythe (3325)
•
19 Mar 07
That is awful. I wonder if it's even legal.
Perhaps you should make a formal complaint to the taxi company?
1 person likes this
@daycarepal (1998)
• United States
19 Mar 07
Oh I think that is just awful. Did you ask the taxi driver why he was charging for the wheelchair? It would be interesting to know why he thinks he should charge you more. If I were you, I would call the taxi company and speak to someone in charge.
1 person likes this
@mango_nectar (309)
• United States
19 Mar 07
I think that is pretty terrible. I'm also pretty sure that they aren't allowed to do that. I would definitely call the taxi company to file a complaint, or at least get some sort of explanation for why they would have charged extra. I would also get ahold of a disability advocacy group and see if there is anything they can do to get the driver or company in trouble for charging like that. I've heard of paying extra for another person, but paying extra for a wheelchair is completely unreasonable...
1 person likes this
@loved1 (5328)
• United States
22 Mar 07
That really is unfair and sounds like discrimination to me. What is wrong with the world today that people cannot just be kind to one another? If that cab driver had a disability he would want people to continue to treat him with kindness and respect. Don't lose your faith in the human race over this incident. There are still kind people in the world who will see you for who you are and not just see your wheelchair as a burdon.
@crimsonblues (1191)
• United States
19 Mar 07
Ive never heard of that before..you should call the taxi company and complain. Then write your local office of disability advocates.
1 person likes this
@ydnac22 (802)
• Philippines
22 Mar 07
yeah! its so disgusting! here in philippines we dont pay extra for pur luggage.They just have the so called "metro" that measures the length of travel and it gives the corresponding charge.In you case is just so unfair that he let you pay your wheelchair?Yes hes too greedy with money..They must be given a lesson.Hate people like that!
@catcai (1056)
• Philippines
21 Mar 07
my goodness!
DId you ask why the driver is charging you for it? is there a law in your country that says that wheelchairs have extra charge? Is that even legal? What kind of driver is he? i think this should be reported to even the authorities!- this is clearly abuse! your should even be given more slack because of your condition- It is within your rights i beleive... thats very inconsiderate of him! i just hope it wont happen to you again...
@prestocaro (1251)
• United States
22 Mar 07
I am horrified! Here in Austin our cabbies must display the meter at all times so there are no "hidden fees". What a nasty thing to do! I'm sure you didn't tip, but it sounds like he managed to scrounge some money out of you anyway.
@Tir_Na_nOg (508)
• Ireland
20 Mar 07
Here in Ireland, I have often been charged extra for taking a pram on the buses and I was charged for at the adult rate. It wasn't even as thought the pram was taking up a seat as it was usually put underneath the stairs. I was also charged an adult fare for taking it in a taxi. I accepted this, but to charge for a wheelchair is just unbelievable. I think if you are classed as disabled, then you should be entitled to free travel.
