The videos have been created with the aim of raising awareness about the rights of passengers with assistance animals and the legal responsibilities of taxi drivers. They star Jimmy Behal, who has been driving taxis in Melbourne’s Western suburbs for over 18 years.
A maxi taxi driver, Jimmy came on board as part of the ‘Open Doors’ campaign because he wanted to make other drivers aware of legal responsibilities and how they can help make all passengers, including those with assistance animals, comfortable in cabs.
The ad campaign focuses on legal rights of passengers who travel with assistance animals Source: Supplied
Hear Jimmy Behal's interview with SBS Punjabi
Speaking to SBS Punjabi, Jimmy said, "Some cabbies are not aware of these legal responsibilities, and sometimes refuse to take passengers who are accompanied by assistance dogs. Through this campaign, we are trying to make the drivers more aware and responsive to the passengers' needs."
Jimmy is seen in the videos transporting Maysa, who has an assistance animal, to and from judo class – just one aspect of her busy schedule. Here is the video, in case you haven't seen it yet:
Jimmy Behal in the TSC ad campaign Source: Supplied
Since this week is being marked by SBS as Face up to Racism week, we also asked Jimmy if he was more of a target for racial comments or discrimination, because of his job. Jimmy categorically felt that he had never felt racially vilified during his 18 year career.
Jimmy Behal at SBS Punjabi studios Source: SBS Punjabi
Face Up To Racism # with a season of stories and programs challenging preconceptions around race and prejudice. Tune in to watch Is Australia Racist? (airs on Sunday 26 February at 8.30pm), Date My Race (airs Monday 27 February at 8.30pm) and The Truth About Racism (airs Wednesday 1 March at 8.30pm). Watch all the documentaries online after they air on.
