Decision No. 142-AT-A-2005
March 15, 2005
File No. U3570/99-64
BACKGROUND
In its Decision No. 597-AT-A-2004 dated November 3, 2004, the Canadian Transportation Agency (hereinafter the Agency) made a determination with respect to an application filed by Elliott Richman pursuant to subsection 172(1) of the Canada Transportation Act, S.C., 1996, c. 10, concerning the lack of TTY (telephone-teletype device for persons who are deaf or hard of hearing) access to Singapore Airlines Limited's (hereinafter Singapore Airlines) Canadian reservation system.
The Agency concluded that the absence of a TTY number constituted an undue obstacle to Mr. Richman's mobility.
Pursuant to Decision No. 597-AT-A-2004, Singapore Airlines was required to take the following measures within sixty (60) days from the date of that Decision:
ensure that the TTY number is included on its Web site, in all advertisements, and in all future publications providing information about the air carrier that is otherwise available to the general public; and provide the Agency with confirmation that this is being done.
ISSUE
The issue to be addressed is whether the measures taken by Singapore Airlines meet the requirements of Decision No. 597-AT-A-2004.
FACTS
On January 20, 2005, Singapore Airlines advised the Agency that it completed installation of TTY access to its Canadian reservation system on December 31, 2004. The carrier also stated that the TTY number would be communicated to prospective travellers who require TTY access in all Singapore Airlines media and electronic communications.
ANALYSIS AND FINDINGS
The Agency has examined Singapore Airlines' Web site and has confirmed that it contains a TTY contact number. It has also been verified that the TTY number is operational. The Agency is satisfied that the measures undertaken by the carrier should assist in preventing the recurrence of situations similar to the one experienced by Mr. Richman.
CONCLUSION
In light of the foregoing, the Agency is satisfied that Singapore Airlines has met the requirements of Decision No. 597-AT-A-2004. Accordingly, the Agency does not contemplate any further action in this matter.
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