Arabic version: مستخدمة كرسي متحرك تبلغ عن رفض سيارات أجرة وأوبر

According to ABC News, Tasmanian accessibility advocate Rosie Putland says she was refused service by both a taxi driver and an Uber driver in Canberra because she uses a wheelchair.

Ms Putland said the taxi incident occurred after work during her first week in a new job, when she and a colleague approached a taxi rank at Parliament House. She said her collapsible wheelchair was no larger than an average suitcase, could fit in a standard car boot and could be packed down without assistance. Despite that explanation, she said the driver declined to take her.

Later that week, Ms Putland said she ordered an Uber while travelling to work at Parliament House. She told the driver through the app’s messaging service that her wheelchair could fit in an average boot. The driver then asked her to cancel the trip, she said. Ms Putland said drivers should listen when passengers explain their mobility needs rather than make assumptions about their wheelchairs or experience.

Under the federal disability discrimination act, it is unlawful in Australia to refuse public transport services, including taxis and rideshares, to people living with a disability. People with Disability Australia interim president Jarrod Sandell-Hay said the reported experience was not isolated, describing transport refusals as a widespread issue for disabled Australians. Uber and the Australian Taxi Association were contacted for comment.