Combat Veteran With Dog Says He Was Kicked Off NJ Transit Bus

NJ Transit says it’s investigating a claim that a combat veteran was denied a seat on a bus because of his service animal.

Daniel Wright, who received a Purple Heart and served four combat tours in the Marines and Army, said he has post-traumatic stress disorder and doesn’t go anywhere without his service dog, Tank, according to WABC-TV.

Wright said he hasn’t had any issues with Tank since recently moving to Newark, until this week. He tried to board an NJ Transit Route 1 bus when he ran into a problem, according to the report.

He told WABC-TV:

“I put my hand out, and people were getting on ... Then when I went to get on, he slammed the door...And I’m like, ‘Hey, what are you doing?’ He’s like, ‘You can’t bring dogs on the bus.’ I said it’s my service dog, he’s like ‘I don’t care.’’

Wright made a formal complaint with NJ Transit, and the agnecy says it takes any situation involving the Americans with Disabilities Act seriously, according to News12.

NJ Transit told News12:

“Service animals are permitted on rail, light rail and other vehicles within NJ Transit. It is important that this is respected...and that the customer is respected as far as the ADA. There are no exceptions to that rule.”