I never thought I’d hear the words… “I don’t take people like you” Today, that’s exactly what happened. I’d booked a London black cab through the @Freenow by Lyft app. When the driver arrived and saw me waiting in my wheelchair, he wound down the window and said, “I don’t take people like you.” I asked why. He said “it doesn’t work.” I asked if he had a Transport for London medical exemption certificate. First it was, “What’s that?” Then, moments later, “I left it at home.” I explained that unless a driver has a valid exemption, they’re legally required to provide reasonable mobility assistance, including deploying the wheelchair ramp, and that a taxi shouldn’t be operating without a working ramp. I told him I’d be reporting the incident. He drove off. He cancelled my booking. And left me stranded on the pavement. This isn’t just poor customer service. It’s a reminder that disabled people are still being denied equal access simply because of our disability. No one should have to argue for the right to get into a taxi. Thankfully, not every driver is like this. A short while later, another London cab driver, Mark, arrived. He deployed the ramp without hesitation, apologised for what had happened and restored a little of my faith. So thank you, Mark. You showed exactly how it should be done. But to Frank: refusing a wheelchair user and driving away isn’t acceptable. We deserve the same access to transport as everyone else. Accessibility isn’t a favour. It’s a right. #Accessibility #WheelchairUser #storytime #CallToAction #London
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