Woman with disability files complaint against Muni

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- The Americans with Disabilities Act was passed 25 years ago this week, yet a San Francisco woman believes some Muni operators are still treating the disabled like second class citizens and she has filed a formal complaint.

Liz Henry is disabled and uses a scooter that she takes on Muni to get to her high-tech job in San Francisco. The 46-year-old says some drivers are nice, but a video from Muni's own cameras shows an encounter she had last month that led to a formal complaint.

"They are hostile," Henry said. "They don't want to mess with that ramp and they don't want to be delayed and they feel like I shouldn't be on the bus."

It was 25 years ago that the Americans with Disabilities Act was passed. It was designed to break down barriers and ensure access. All Muni vehicles have disabled ramps and operators have training.

"The vast majority of our operators are exceptional at what they do and are extremely courteous when dealing with the public," Muni spokesman Paul Rose said. "There are circumstances when there are complaints and we want to address those complaints as soon as possible."

But not everyone files an official complaint. Another disabled rider scrawled a message on a bus shelter saying an operator reused to stop for her this month.

In Henry's case neither the driver, nor the union would comment Tuesday. She says he did apologized and he could be in line for more training or even dismissal.