Uber sued over alleged discrimination against people with disabilities

The federal government announced on Friday that it has filed a lawsuit against Uber for allegedly discriminating against passengers with disabilities. According to the Department of Justice, Uber drivers have been accused of routinely refusing to serve individuals with disabilities, including those with service dogs. This has led to disabled individuals missing appointments, facing significant delays, and being stranded in inclement weather.

The lawsuit alleges that Uber drivers have charged illegal cleaning fees for service animal shedding, imposed cancellation fees after denying service, and refused to allow disabled individuals to sit in the front seat in order to accommodate their mobility devices in the back seat. Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division emphasized the need to end this persistent discrimination and ensure that riders with disabilities can use Uber without facing obstacles.

In response to the lawsuit, Uber stated that all of its drivers must acknowledge and comply with its service animal and accessibility policies. The company prohibits drivers from denying service to individuals with service animals and requires them to provide transportation to people with disabilities as long as they can enter the vehicle independently. Additionally, drivers are not allowed to refuse assistance with stowing devices like walkers, crutches, and folding wheelchairs.

Uber emphasized its commitment to providing a safe, respectful, and welcoming experience for riders who use guide dogs or other assistive devices. The company established a hotline in 2023 for customers who were denied a ride due to a service animal, and takes action, including deactivating a driver’s account, when a violation is confirmed.

The Department of Justice is seeking $125 million in damages for disabled individuals who have previously filed complaints with Uber or the Department of Justice. The case has been filed in federal court in Northern California, where Uber Technologies is headquartered in San Francisco.

Overall, the lawsuit highlights the importance of ensuring equal access and non-discrimination for individuals with disabilities in the transportation industry.Uber must address these issues and work towards creating a more inclusive and accommodating environment for all passengers.