DOJ Sues Uber for Allegedly Discriminating Against Disabled Customers

DOJ Sues Uber for Allegedly Discriminating Against Disabled Customers
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The US Department of Justice (DOJ) has filed a lawsuit against Uber Technologies Inc., accusing the company of discriminatory practices against customers with disabilities in violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Jurist News revealed.

The lawsuit, filed in the US District Court for the Northern District of California, alleges that Uber drivers have denied service to disabled customers who require the transport of wheelchairs, mobility devices, and service animals. The DOJ also claims that the company has subsequently charged these customers unlawful cancellation fees.

According to the article, the lawsuit cites several instances of alleged discrimination. One example describes a blind rider who was allegedly refused rides by four different drivers in just 17 minutes because he had a service dog. Another case involves a child who uses a wheelchair and was refused a ride, with the driver claiming the wheelchair would not fit. This incident allegedly left the family stranded and resulted in them being charged a cancellation fee.

The lawsuit seeks an injunction to prevent Uber from further breaches of the ADA, as well as civil fines. It also aims to mandate that Uber reform its policies regarding service to disabled passengers. The article notes that this is not the first time Uber has faced controversy over its service to disabled customers, referencing a similar lawsuit from 2021.