[ad_1]
MONIQUE FORD / Things
George Taggart and his guide dog Guss, a standard poodle, were told they were not allowed on a Metlink bus.
A blind Wellington man is “spitting studs” after being told his guide dog was not allowed on a bus because the driver did not believe poodles could be guide dogs.
George Taggart was boarding at a bus stop in front of the Blind Foundation offices on Adelaide Rd, along with three women, who were also blind, when he was told that their large white poodle, Guss, could not get on board.
“I accept it’s not the norm, but he’s dressed accordingly,” Taggart said.
“He has a collar, a harness, and tags that tell you he’s a guide dog.”
Taggart also carried an identity card confirming that he was blind, which includes a photo of Guss.
READ MORE:
* After six near misses, a blind man stops Wellington buses in protest
* Access problems for blind people and their guide dogs
* ‘A Frankenstein’s Monster’: Why the Labradoodle Creator Regrets Raising the Dogs
The driver told Taggart to get out, which he refused to do, telling the driver to call the police. It was finally resolved after a long radio call to the bus terminal.
It was the second time in two weeks that a driver had tried to prevent Guss from getting on a bus.
“I’m sick of it, it’s quite embarrassing.
“The bus stop was right outside the NZ Blind Foundation. I don’t understand what the hell is going on, ”Taggart said.
MONIQUE FORD / Things
Despite showing the driver his guide dog passport, Taggart still had to struggle to stay on the bus.
Even with Guss, Taggart has to be careful where he puts his feet when boarding a bus, and the three women he was riding with carried white canes, making it clear they were blind.
“I have to wear dark glasses. I think I look like a blind person, but I’m not sure, ”he laughed.
“Maybe I should wear a sign around my neck.”
Poodles are a rare breed for guide dogs, often used in homes where someone is allergic to dog hair. Taggart said he was aware of another poodle guide dog in the Wellington area.
Taggart is involved in educating TransDev train staff to appreciate the difficulties blind people experience in public transportation, but said no Metlink bus company had accepted his training offer.
Scott Gallacher, general manager of Metlink, apologized to Taggart for the encounter.
Monique Ford / Stuff
Taggart was attempting to board the bus in front of the Blind Foundation office and was accompanied by other blind passengers.
“We are disappointed to hear about Mr. Taggart’s experience and we apologize unreservedly for what happened. We welcome all members of the public on our trains and buses, healthy or unhealthy, and we strive to meet their needs and ensure that they have confidence in using Metlink services, ”he said.
Metlink hadn’t received many complaints about the rejection of guide dogs from the buses, but said it would make sure drivers get better training in the future.
“The almost total absence of complaints about guide dogs suggests that drivers almost always follow the rules and their training to travel with guide dogs.
“We recognize that sometimes, as it seems in this case, things can go wrong,” he said.
“We will follow up on this with the driver to find out why this was the case and ask our operators to enforce the rules on guide dogs with drivers during regular training.”
Video courtesy of RNZ.
