Justice Department Sues Uber Over Alleged Disability Discrimination
The U.S. Department of justice filed a lawsuit against Uber on Thursday, accusing the ride-sharing company of widespread violations of the Americans wiht Disabilities Act (ADA). The complaint,filed in San Francisco federal court,alleges that Uber drivers routinely discriminate against passengers with disabilities,including those who utilize service animals or foldable wheelchairs.
According to the Justice Department, Uber and its drivers have illegally imposed cleaning fees on passengers traveling with service animals and charged cancellation fees to riders who were denied service due to their disability. The lawsuit further claims instances of drivers allegedly insulting or demeaning passengers with disabilities, and refusing reasonable accommodations like allowing passengers with mobility impairments to sit in the front seat.
the Department of Justice asserts that uber’s actions have caused “significant economic, emotional, and physical harm” to individuals with disabilities.
The complaint details the alleged experiences of 17 individuals. These include a seven-year-old amputee from the Bronx, New York (identified as JE), who was reportedly denied a ride home from his brother’s birthday party after a driver questioned the presence of his wheelchair, asking, “Is that coming?”
Another case involves Jason Ludwig, a Gulf War veteran traveling with a service dog, who was allegedly denied a ride to the Norfolk airport in Virginia from Newport News. This resulted in him missing his flight and being forced to drive 16 hours back to his home in Yarmouth Port, Massachusetts.
Jeff Clark, a blind rider from Mount Laurel, New Jersey, allegedly experienced four consecutive ride cancellations within 17 minutes in Philadelphia after informing drivers he used a guide dog.
The Justice Department is seeking an injunction to prevent further ADA violations, alongside mandated improvements to Uber’s training and operational practices. The lawsuit also requests monetary damages and a civil penalty.
Uber released a statement expressing disagreement with the allegations, while reaffirming its commitment to accessibility and improving the experience for riders with disabilities. The company stated it has a “clear zero-tolerance policy for confirmed service denials” and that riders requiring assistance “deserve a safe, respectful, and welcoming experience.”
A spokesperson for the Justice Department declined to offer further comment at this time.
