Jessica Rathwell and her service dog were denied access to an Ebus in Surrey for the holidays due to a lack of space for her dog. The company’s policy requires 48 hours’ notice for service dogs to reserve space, a policy that Rathwell believes is flawed as it does not account for emergency situations where people need to travel on short notice. Despite taking the same bus a month prior without issue, Rathwell was denied access this time and ultimately banned from Ebus after standing in front of the bus to prevent it from leaving without her. Rathwell’s father had to drive six hours to pick her up and she is unsure if she will be able to use her return ticket back to Surrey.
Rathwell argues that the company’s policy should not supersede the law that allows her to travel anywhere with her service dog. She believes that the policy is unfair and does not consider the needs of individuals with service dogs who may require last-minute travel accommodations. Rathwell’s experience highlights the challenges that individuals with service dogs face when traveling, particularly when companies have strict policies that prevent them from accessing transportation services.
The company, Ebus, claims that Rathwell was banned due to her behavior and actions, including physically obstructing the bus and causing a delay of over one hour. However, Rathwell stands by her decision to stand up for herself and her rights as a service dog owner. Despite the ban, Rathwell remains firm in her belief that she should have been allowed on the bus with her service dog and that the company’s actions were unjust. The incident raises questions about the rights of individuals with service dogs and the responsibilities of transportation companies to accommodate them.
Rathwell’s mother had booked the ticket for her, unaware of the company’s policy regarding service dogs. This lack of communication led to the unexpected setback at the bus station in Surrey. Rathwell’s experience serves as a reminder of the importance of understanding and following the policies of transportation companies when traveling with service dogs. It also sheds light on the challenges that individuals with service animals face in accessing public transportation and the need for more awareness and understanding of their rights and needs.
The incident at the Ebus station in Surrey highlights the need for better communication and understanding between transportation companies and individuals with service dogs. Rathwell’s experience, while frustrating and upsetting, sheds light on the barriers that individuals with service animals face when traveling. It also emphasizes the importance of advocacy and standing up for one’s rights in situations where discrimination or unjust treatment occurs. Ultimately, Rathwell’s story serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges that individuals with service dogs face and the need for greater awareness, education, and understanding in society as a whole.
