Washington, D.C. — The U.S. Department of Justice has initiated legal action against Uber Technologies Inc., the prominent ride-hailing company, alleging that it has engaged in extensive discrimination against passengers with disabilities, including those who depend on service dogs and mobility aids such as stowable wheelchairs.
The lawsuit, which was filed on Thursday in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, claims that Uber has breached Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) by refusing rides, imposing unjust surcharges, and not accommodating riders with disabilities. The Department is pursuing $125 million in damages for individuals who have previously lodged complaints and experienced discrimination.
Allegations of Discrimination
According to the complaint, Uber and its drivers:
- Refused rides to passengers traveling with service animals, especially individuals who are blind or visually impaired.
- Charged cleaning fees for dog hair and cancellation fees when drivers unlawfully denied rides.
- Denied reasonable accommodations, such as allowing passengers with mobility limitations to sit in the front seat.
- Left riders stranded, causing missed medical appointments and forcing them to wait in unsafe or inclement weather.
“For too long, blind riders have suffered repeated ride denials by Uber because they are traveling with a service dog,” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the DOJ’s Civil Rights Division. “This lawsuit seeks to end this persistent discrimination and allow riders with disabilities to use Uber.”
Legal Demands
The lawsuit calls for:
- A court order compelling Uber to stop discriminatory practices.
- Changes to Uber’s internal policies to ensure ADA compliance.
- Mandatory training for drivers and staff on disability rights.
- Compensation for affected individuals.
- Civil penalties for repeated violations of federal law.
“Rideshare companies like Uber are prohibited from denying riders with disabilities the same access to transportation that riders without disabilities enjoy,” added U.S. Attorney Craig H. Missakian for the Northern District of California.
This lawsuit marks the most recent in a series of legal challenges aimed at ride-sharing companies regarding accessibility issues, as advocates for disability rights persist in their efforts for equitable treatment in both public and private transportation services.
Uber, which functions in numerous cities across the U.S., has consistently asserted its commitment to accessibility and has implemented measures to tackle rider concerns. Nevertheless, the Justice Department contends that these measures are insufficient and that discriminatory practices remain widespread.
