File Photo Car hire service Uber has quickly responded to the complaint of an Aucklander who was described by a driver as an “an abomination to god”, saying it’s certainly not something it tolerates. Aych McArdle took to social media this morning to highlight the experience. The Rainbow Youth Education Director said “being queer or gender diverse is not a ‘choice’ or ‘lifestyle’ and yes my family still care about me, thanks for asking.” Uber was swift to get in touch, and promises it will talk with the driver about why their behaviour was not acceptable. “This is certainly not something we tolerate and I’m very sorry you were treated like this. It’s not ok,” a representative has responded. McArdle has been refunded for the trip and given an Uber credit. “I know this doesn’t make up for the experience, but please let me know if there is anything else we can do,” the Uber representative says. The Aucklander users Uber regularly and has only had positive experiences so far, but says this case is a reminder of how important diversity training is for businesses. Uber bills itself as providing the “safest rides on the roads” and has taken a hard line with at least one homophobic driver. In April, a driver in Paris was fired when he refused to give a lift to two gay men, telling them “I don’t take gays”. Uber made it clear his behaviour was unacceptable.In Auckland, Uber has already teamed up to offer free rides to a number lgbti community events. The service works through an app, where people needing a ride summon a driver - Uber believes this level of technology helps with accountability.
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Wednesday, 3rd December 2014 - 9:09am