The federal authorities stated Friday that it’s suing Uber for allegedly discriminating in opposition to passengers with disabilities.
The Division of Justice stated Uber drivers routinely refuse to serve people with disabilities, together with these with service canines. Uber is the most important ride-hailing firm within the U.S.
The lawsuit alleges that Uber drivers have charged unlawful cleansing charges for service animal shedding and imposed cancellation charges after denying service. The lawsuit additionally alleges that drivers have refused to permit disabled people to take a seat within the entrance seat to allow them to use the again seat for mobility units.
Disabled people have missed appointments, skilled vital delays and have been stranded in inclement climate, the lawsuit stated.
“For too lengthy, blind riders have suffered repeated trip denials by Uber as a result of they’re touring with a service canine,” stated Assistant Lawyer Normal Harmeet Dhillon of the Justice Division’s Civil Rights Division. “This lawsuit seeks to finish this persistent discrimination and permit riders with disabilities to make use of Uber.”
In a press release Friday, Uber stated all of its drivers should acknowledge and comply with adjust to its service animal and accessibility insurance policies.
Uber stated it prohibits drivers from denying service to somebody with a service animal and it requires drivers to offer transportation to an individual with a incapacity so long as they get into the car on their very own. It additionally prohibits drivers from refusing to help with the stowing of units like walkers, crutches and folding wheelchairs.
“Riders who use information canines or different assistive units deserve a secure, respectful and welcoming expertise on Uber — full cease,” the corporate stated. Uber stated it disagrees with the allegations within the lawsuit.
Uber stated it established a hotline in 2023 for patrons who had been denied a trip due to a service animal. Uber stated when it confirms {that a} violation has occurred, it takes motion, together with deactivating a driver’s account.
The Division of Justice is searching for $125 million for disabled people who’ve beforehand submitted complaints to Uber or the Division of Justice.
The case was filed in federal court docket in Northern California. Uber Applied sciences relies in San Francisco.
