BARRY taxi firm A2B is guaranteeing that every passenger with an assistance animal will be accepted as a customer, with no extra fee charged.

Guide Dogs Cymru this week visited A2B to congratulate them on leading the way in accessible travel for the visually impaired.

Nicki Cockburn, who was joined by her guide dog James a four-year-old golden labrador, explained to A2B’s Ann Haysham and local MP Alun Cairns how some taxi firms in the past have charged in excess of £50 to carry a guide dog, with many refusing altogether, despite this being rendered illegal by the Equalities Act 2010.

Ms Cockburn said: “It leaves me in a very difficult position when a taxi refuses my custom because I’m supported by James. Even worse, some drivers take advantage of my visual impairment and take a longer route in order that they can charge me a higher fare.

“I am delighted to hear that A2B offer their services to those of us with a guide dog and I hope all other local firms will follow their lead.”

A2B owner, Ms Haysham added: “I couldn’t imagine charging even an extra £1 to carry a guide dog. During the daytime we charge fixed fares so there is no way in which a driver could take advantage of a visually impaired customer by taking a longer route.”

Mr Cairns said: “Working to promote Guide Dogs Cymru over a number of years, I have taken part in blindfolded bus rides and most recently a blindfolded maze led by Maisie, a veteran guide dog. It cannot be overstated how vulnerable you feel when your vision is taken from you and you are reliant on an excellently trained guide dog to ensure you manoeuvre safely around day-to-day obstacles. This will only be made more difficult if any taxi drivers discriminate against these visually impaired individuals.

“I am delighted that this Barry taxi firm are demonstrating the importance of support and access for all customers. I urge all local taxi drivers to research Guide Dogs Cymru’s top tips for helping visually impaired passengers.”

Visit guidedogs.org.uk