My wonderful day...
 

Dear MTA,

I would appreciate it if you would educate your bus drivers in regard to ADA policies and service dogs. As I am sick of being refused access to your buses or being looked down to by your subway conductors. I am also sick of being the subject to there verbal harassment. Yes my 4.5lb dog is a SERVICE dog and is in all guidelines to be allowed access.

Sincerely
Angry customer.

/end rant


Does this do enough to explain the day I had today??? :mad::mad::mad: I had to take 4 buses, 3 trains and 2 ferries today. And I was harassed and denied access half of the day. When will these people just get it??!!! :mad:

That sounds like an awful day. I know very little about service dogs, but I gather that they are to have access wherever their people go as an ADA requirement? Is there a registered service dog certificate that you can carry and show as proof? Like I said, I know very little about this.

Yes the city issues a service dog tag, which he wears on his harness and I carry his license they issue on my keychain. He's allowed access everywhere but the operating room.

Sorry you had a bad day. I would suggest taking a micro tape recorder, record the harrassment and file a lawsuit.

It's hard to prove it a lot of times because buses often just blow past me as the drivers look at me and shake there head. :( I have reported each incident as they happen but nothing ever comes of it.

Have you complained in writing by certified mail? You need to document these happenings, and after several, I would then make an appearance in person to file a formal complaint. I don't know that this is possible for you, but there has to be a way to get past this continually happening to you. Is there an office in your town that represents Americans with Disabilities?

I have filed serveral complaints with the MTA. Everytime it happens I do it now. Nothing ever comes of it though. :rolleyes:

Yep I have been known to take a picture of the bus - numbers are very visible on the bus. I would. Then call the transit company and send them the picture of th e bus that refused to stop. I was such b**** for a while there that they sent me taxi vouchers to shut me up. Didnt wok LOL

The ACLU would probably be glad to talk with you. I carry copies of the ADA law and give them out to anyone who hassels me. It is always good to name names it you can. Have you talked with the MTA?

I just recently took on the post office in my town that put a sign up saying seeing eye dogs only. The issue is, they don't get to say which service dogs are acceptable and which aren't. My friends are all laughing about the wall in several of the post offices that have torn the paint off when they had to remove that sign they had taped off.

Keep fighting the good fight! Sorry you are having the problem.

PS - one bit of advice I have learned -- when they start explaining why they snubed/slighted/hasseled you just tell them that you do not or cannot sympathize because it is not your probem, it is theirs and they need to keep their problem(s) to themselves in that I am not willing to take on their problem(s) (i.e. I've got my own). That usually shuts them up fast - of course, i
say it politely :D

good luck!

I get all the info I can everytime. Bus numbers, routes, times, stops, driver ID # and description...then I report them to the MTA. They have never once did ANY thing to any of the drivers and some have done just horrible things. (Like putting buses out of service when I get on, getting into screaming fights with me in my face.) I am considering filing a complaint with the dept. of justice ADA dept next. Idk...its just so frustrating. :(

Sounds like great advice!:)

Oh hon, bless you! I'm so sorry you had a hard day! Hugs to you!

Oh I agree. Thanks. I was just looking on there sight now. :)

Thanks. Most the time I don't let it bother me, sometimes it gets to me though. :(

I can only imagine how aggravating it is and I would like to know if you are able to get this stopped.

I'm so sorry to hear that you've had to deal with such harassment and cruelty. It never ceases to amaze me how quick some people are to pass judgement. Beyond showing his service tag and license, you shouldn't have to prove anything to anyone.

Praying that you encounter more people with compassion, consideration, and a willingness to understand, than those who (for whatever reason) choose to have complete disregard for the law - not to mention human decency.