CALIFORNIA — The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) filed a lawsuit on September 11 against Uber Technologies Inc., alleging the ride-hailing company routinely discriminates against passengers with disabilities, including people who use service animals and foldable wheelchairs.
The lawsuit says Uber and its drivers repeatedly denied service and canceled rides. It also claims the company imposed cancellation fees on riders with disabilities and seeks $125 million in damages.
Filed in the Northern District of California, the complaint cites alleged discrimination against 17 individuals.
One plaintiff, Michael May, is blind and relies on a cane and guide dog. He uses Uber several times a week but says he is often denied rides because of his service animal.
The denials have made him late to work meetings, and despite filing numerous complaints, he has never been told the outcomes of Uber’s investigations and says the discrimination has continued.
Another plaintiff, J.E., is a minor and bilateral amputee who uses a collapsible wheelchair.
When his mother confirmed to an UberXL driver that they would be traveling with the chair, the driver refused service, claiming it would not fit—only to later pick up another group and load a large double wagon without issue.
Uber refunded the cancellation fee and issued a $15 credit, which J.E.’s mother described as a “slap in the face.”
In addition to imposing cancellation fees after denying rides, some drivers allegedly charged cleaning fees for service animals and rejected front-seat requests from riders needing space for mobility devices.
Practices violate Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act
The DOJ says Uber has failed to modify its policies in ways that avoid discrimination. As a result, disabled riders have faced delays, missed appointments, and in some cases, been stranded in unsafe conditions.
The lawsuit alleges these practices violate Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which requires private transportation providers to offer nondiscriminatory access and accommodate both service animals and mobility devices.
In addition to $125 million in damages for affected riders, the DOJ is seeking a court order requiring Uber to change its policies, train staff on ADA compliance, and pay civil penalties.
Uber’s Response
Uber has denied the allegations, saying it is “committed to expanding access and improving the experience of riders with disabilities.”
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