The US Department of Justice filed a lawsuit against the ride-hailing platform Uber last Thursday (Sept. 11 local time) in the federal district court in San Francisco, alleging that it "frequently refuses to provide services to individuals with disabilities." The accusations include refusing to pick up passengers who use wheelchairs or travel with guide dogs, as well as charging them extra fees. The Justice Department is seeking US$125 million (approximately HK$970 million) in compensation for the passengers who have complained.
In a statement, the Justice Department stated that Uber violated the Americans with Disabilities Act, which explicitly prohibits private transportation companies from discriminating against individuals with disabilities and requires them to accommodate those carrying service animals or using wheelchairs. The lawsuit notes that Uber is the largest ride-sharing platform in the US, and "many individuals with disabilities increasingly rely on its services for work, medical appointments, religious activities, or other important engagements." The Justice Department accuses the company of refusing to make reasonable policy adjustments or train drivers to comply with the law, resulting in frequent delays, missed appointments, and even forcing disabled individuals to remain stranded in inclement weather.
The lawsuit also highlights that Uber's discriminatory practices "cause serious economic, psychological, and physical harm to disabled passengers," including cases of several passengers who experienced discrimination, such as a disabled veteran who, due to carrying a service dog, was refused a ride and missed a flight, forcing him to drive home himself. The lawsuit demands that the court order Uber to amend its policies and train employees and drivers to ensure compliance with the law, while also compensating affected passengers and paying civil fines to protect the public interest.
Uber expressed disagreement and disappointment with the lawsuit, stating that it has long prohibited drivers from refusing rides to disabled passengers and emphasizing its ongoing efforts to improve services, including implementing various measures to enhance accessibility. Uber previously faced a Justice Department lawsuit in 2022, when it was accused of charging "waiting fees," discriminating against disabled individuals who require longer wait times.
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