Harmeet K. Dhillon, Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division, U.S. Department of Justice | Official Website
The U.S. Department of Justice has filed a lawsuit against Uber Technologies Inc., alleging that the company discriminated against passengers with disabilities, including those who use service animals and mobility devices such as stowable wheelchairs. The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, seeks $125 million for individuals who have experienced discrimination and previously submitted complaints to either Uber or the Department.
According to the complaint, Uber is accused of violating Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which prohibits private transportation companies from discriminating based on disability. The ADA requires these companies to allow service animals to accompany riders and to provide access and assistance for those using mobility devices.
The Justice Department alleges that Uber and its drivers have routinely refused rides to individuals with disabilities, imposed improper surcharges such as cleaning fees for service animal shedding, charged cancellation fees when denying service unlawfully, and failed to modify policies that would prevent discrimination. Additionally, some riders with mobility disabilities were reportedly denied the option to sit in the front seat when necessary. As a result, affected individuals have faced delays, missed appointments, and have been stranded 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,” said 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 calls for a court order requiring Uber to stop discriminatory practices against individuals with disabilities, change its policies to comply with federal law, and train staff and drivers on ADA requirements. It also seeks monetary damages for affected individuals and a civil penalty intended to address public interest concerns related to disability discrimination.
For more information about civil rights issues or reporting possible violations of federal civil rights laws, visit www.justice.gov/crt or www.civilrights.justice.gov.
