Uber sued over alleged discrimination against people with disabilities

[ad_1] The federal authorities mentioned Friday that it's suing Uber for allegedly discriminating towards passengers with disabilities.

The Division of Justice mentioned Uber drivers routinely refuse to serve people with disabilities, together with these with service canine. Uber is the most important ride-hailing firm within the U.S.

The lawsuit alleges that Uber drivers have charged unlawful cleansing charges for service animal shedding and imposed cancellation charges after denying service. The lawsuit additionally alleges that drivers have refused to permit disabled people to sit down within the entrance seat to allow them to use the again seat for mobility units.

Disabled people have missed appointments, skilled important delays and have been stranded in inclement climate, the lawsuit mentioned.

“For too lengthy, blind riders have suffered repeated trip denials by Uber as a result of they're touring with a service canine,” mentioned Assistant Lawyer Basic Harmeet Dhillon of the Justice Division’s Civil Rights Division. “This lawsuit seeks to finish this persistent discrimination and permit riders with disabilities to make use of Uber.”

In an announcement Friday, Uber mentioned all of its drivers should acknowledge and comply with adjust to its service animal and accessibility insurance policies.

Uber mentioned it prohibits drivers from denying service to somebody with a service animal and it requires drivers to supply transportation to an individual with a incapacity so long as they get into the car on their very own. It additionally prohibits drivers from refusing to help with the stowing of units like walkers, crutches and folding wheelchairs.

“Riders who use information canine or different assistive units deserve a secure, respectful and welcoming expertise on Uber — full cease,” the corporate mentioned. Uber mentioned it disagrees with the allegations within the lawsuit.

Uber mentioned it established a hotline in 2023 for purchasers who had been denied a trip due to a service animal. Uber mentioned when it confirms {that a} violation has occurred, it takes motion, together with deactivating a driver’s account.