After receiving several complaints from their members, the Equal Rights Center recently launched an investigation into taxi discrimination against people who use service dogs. In 60 percent of their tests, they found that the blind tester with a service dog was subjected to at least one form of discriminatory treatment, with half the drivers outright refusing to provide service.

This discrimination is illegal. In addition to violating the Americans with Disabilities Act, it also violates the District of Columbia Human Rights Act, as well as Title 31 of the District of Columbia Municipal Regulations, which says the conditions under which taxi drivers may not refuse service.

The D.C. Taxicab Commission is responsible for regulating and monitoring the city's industry, including setting licensing requirements and penalties for violations, and investigating taxicab operations. 

The Commission needs to require that all taxicab company owners, drivers and employees undergo training in anti-discrimination laws and the Americans with Disabilities Act. They also need to implement compliance testing and regular investigations to make sure taxi drivers are not discriminating against people who use service dogs.

Tell the D.C. Taxicab Commission to enforce the law and take discrimination seriously.

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