DOJ Sues Uber Over Alleged Disability Discrimination
Summary: The U.S. Department of Justice has filed a lawsuit in federal court in Northern California alleging that Uber and some of its drivers “routinely refuse to serve individuals with disabilities,” with specific claims about passengers who use service animals or stowable wheelchairs. The DOJ is seeking a jury trial, injunctive relief, and monetary damages.
Key claims
- Drivers allegedly refuse service to riders with service animals or stowable wheelchairs.
- The complaint says drivers have insulted and demeaned people with disabilities and asked inappropriate questions.
- The DOJ seeks changes to Uber’s practices, a jury trial, injunctions to stop ADA violations, and monetary damages.
Uber’s response
Uber disputed the DOJ’s allegations, saying: “Riders who use guide dogs or other assistive devices deserve a safe, respectful, and welcoming experience on Uber — full stop. We have a clear zero-tolerance policy for confirmed service denials, and we fundamentally disagree with the DOJ’s allegations.” The company says it requires drivers to acknowledge the service animal policy, deactivates accounts for confirmed violations, and sent an education video to U.S. drivers.
“Despite the importance of its services to people with disabilities, Uber denies people with disabilities full and equal enjoyment of its services in several critical ways,” the DOJ complaint reads.
Background
This is not the first federal dispute between Uber and the DOJ over disability access. The DOJ sued Uber in 2021 over wait-time fees charged to riders who needed extra time due to disabilities; that case settled in 2022 and Uber agreed to pay at least $2.2 million to affected passengers.
Sources & further reading
- Coverage: TechCrunch — TechCrunch: DOJ sues Uber over alleged disability discrimination
- DOJ Civil Rights Division (general): https://www.justice.gov/crt
If you have personal experience or thoughts on how ride-hailing apps should handle service animals and mobility aids, share them in the comments.
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