Guide Dogs Queensland is calling on rideshare and taxi companies in Bald Hills to take greater responsibility for their drivers and improve transparency, as part of a new campaign for International Guide Dog Day on 30 April.
Campaign Launched Ahead of International Guide Dog Day
In the lead-up to International Guide Dog Day on 30 April, Guide Dogs Queensland has launched a campaign urging rideshare and taxi companies servicing Bald Hills to strengthen enforcement measures and ensure fair treatment for Guide Dog Handlers.
The campaign, titled ‘It’s Time to Give Guide Dog Handlers a Fare Go’, highlights ongoing discrimination issues faced by people living with disability when accessing public transport options.
The organisation is calling for companies to take increased responsibility for driver conduct and provide greater transparency about how complaints are managed.
Ongoing Barriers Despite Legal Protections
A report commissioned by Guide Dogs Australia found that over one-third of Handlers have experienced cancelled rideshare or taxi trips in the past two years. Despite existing legislation making it unlawful to refuse service to a person accompanied by a Guide Dog, discrimination persists.
In Queensland, individual drivers can face fines of up to $3,096 for refusing access. However, community advocates argue that without visible enforcement, discrimination will continue to undermine the independence of people living with vision loss.
Experiences Highlight the Urgency for Reform
Brisbane resident Chris Littlewood, who relies on his Guide Dog Alyssa, has faced multiple instances of rideshare refusal. His experiences reflect wider findings, with 15 per cent of Guide Dog Handlers reporting ridicule or discrimination while using rideshare services.
Photo Credit: Guide Dogs
Handlers rely on accessible transport for daily activities including shopping, medical appointments, and social outings, making access refusals not just inconvenient but severely disruptive.
Transparency and Accountability Demanded
Guide Dogs Queensland CEO Jock Beveridge said the campaign aims to put pressure on companies to move beyond promises of better driver education and implement stronger complaint handling processes.
According to Mr Beveridge, current practices—such as reimbursing fares or removing a driver from a user’s match list—do not address the systemic nature of the problem. Greater transparency around complaint investigations and penalties is necessary to build trust and ensure compliance with anti-discrimination laws.
Focus on Change in Bald Hills
Guide Dogs Queensland is encouraging rideshare and taxi companies operating in Bald Hills and beyond to improve driver accountability and uphold the rights of Guide Dog Handlers. The ‘Fare Go’ campaign marks an important step toward securing fairer transport access across Queensland for people with vision impairments.
Published 26-Apr-2025
Photo Credit: Guide Dogs
