News and Reports

An Ottawa woman who is visually impaired says she’s repeatedly been denied Uber rides because of her service dog, despite laws meant to protect her.

Salome Solomon says it’s become part of her daily life using the Uber app to get a ride, only to have the driver arrive, see her dog and drive away.

“Every time I’m denied access it’s like a dagger in the heart to be honest,” she said. “It’s a reminder that you’re not normal and you’re not one of us.”

Her dog, trained by the Lions Foundation of Canada, helps her navigate the city safely. But Solomon says some Uber drivers question her need for a service animal or direct her to use “Uber Pets,” a separate premium product not meant for guide dogs.