§ 57-20 Operations – Refusing Passengers.
RCNY § 57-20
(a)Must Not Refuse. Unless justified, a Driver who is dispatched must not refuse by words, gestures or any other means, to transport a person who has prearranged the trip and the destination is within Commuter Van Service's Authorized jurisdiction. This includes a passenger accompanied by a Service Animal. 35 RCNY § 57-20(a)Fine: $200 - $350 for first violation; $350 - $500 for each subsequent violation within 36 monthsAppearance REQUIRED (b) Justification for Refusal. Justifiable grounds for refusing to transport passengers include: (1) The passenger has a weapon (2) The passenger has a package or some article that the Driver reasonably believes could injure others or damage the Commuter Van Vehicle.
(3)The passenger is accompanied by an animal which is not properly or adequately secured in a kennel case or other suitable container. (This provision does not apply to Service Animals accompanying Persons with Disabilities.) (4) The passenger is intoxicated or disorderly. (A Driver must not, however, refuse to provide service solely because of behavior caused by a person's disability).
(5)The passenger has refused a request by the Commuter Van Driver to stop smoking.
(i)The Driver may discharge a passenger who refuses to stop smoking after the Driver made the request.
(ii)If a Driver discharges the passenger, it must be at a safe location.
(c)Attendants for Passengers with Disabilities.
(1)A Commuter Van Driver must not require a Person with a Disability to be accompanied by an attendant.
(2)If a Person with a Disability is accompanied by an attendant, a Driver must not charge or attempt to charge an additional fare for transporting the attendant. 35 RCNY § 57-20(c)Fine: $100 - $250 and order restitution for any overcharge to the passengerAppearance REQUIRED (d) Luggage and Mobility Aids. A Commuter Van Driver must not refuse to transport a passenger's wheelchair, crutches or other mobility aid. 35 RCNY § 57-20(d)Fine: $200 - $350Appearance REQUIRED (Amended City Record 12/9/2020, eff. 1/8/2021)
