Justice Department Files $125 Million Disability Discrimination Lawsuit Against Uber

The Justice Department has filed a lawsuit against Uber Technologies Inc., accusing the nation’s largest ride-hailing company of systematically discriminating against passengers with disabilities, including riders with service dogs and those who rely on stowable wheelchairs.

Filed yesterday in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, the civil complaint alleges that Uber violated Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Under the ADA, private transportation providers such as Uber are prohibited from discriminating against passengers based on disability. The law also obligates companies to accommodate service animals and to provide rides to individuals with mobility devices, including assisting those who use stowable wheelchairs.

According to the complaint, Uber and its drivers have repeatedly refused service to individuals with disabilities. The lawsuit also asserts that Uber has imposed unlawful surcharges by charging cleaning fees for hair shed by service animals, as well as cancellation fees for rides that were denied due to disability. The Department further contends that Uber failed to make reasonable modifications to its practices, such as allowing passengers with mobility impairments to sit in the front seat when necessary. These denials have left riders stranded, delayed, or unable to attend important appointments, sometimes in adverse weather conditions.

“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 Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “This lawsuit seeks to end this persistent discrimination and allow riders with disabilities to use Uber. We will enforce the ADA’s guarantee that people with disabilities have equal opportunity and full participation in all aspects of American society, including transportation.”

“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 of the Northern District of California. “This complaint underscores the United States’ commitment to enforcing the ADA’s promise of equal access.”

The lawsuit seeks $125 million in damages for individuals who previously filed complaints with Uber or the Justice Department regarding discriminatory practices. It also demands that Uber pay a civil penalty to uphold the public’s interest in eradicating disability discrimination.

Beyond monetary relief, the Department is asking the court to order Uber to cease its discriminatory practices, amend its policies to comply with federal law, and implement mandatory ADA training for both drivers and staff. 

By fLEXI tEAM