Justice Department Sues Uber Over Disability Discrimination

Uber Sued by Justice Department Over Disability Discrimination

The U.S. Justice Department has initiated legal action against Uber, alleging violations of federal law through discriminatory practices against individuals with physical disabilities.

Allegations of Discrimination

The Department of Justice’s (DOJ) civil rights division asserts that Uber and its contracted drivers frequently deny service to people with disabilities. This includes those traveling with service animals or utilizing foldable wheelchairs.

Furthermore, Uber is accused of imposing unwarranted charges on riders requiring specific accommodations. Cancellation fees are reportedly levied when service is unjustly refused.

Violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act

According to the DOJ, these actions, detailed within the formal complaint, constitute a breach of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

DOJ lawyers contend that Uber fails to provide individuals with disabilities equal access to its services, despite the crucial role these services play in their lives.

The DOJ also states that Uber has been unwilling to adjust its policies and procedures to prevent discrimination against riders with disabilities when reasonable modifications are necessary.

Harm to Individuals with Disabilities

The DOJ argues that these practices have resulted in substantial economic, emotional, and physical distress for individuals with disabilities.

Uber's Response

In a released statement, Uber expressed strong disagreement with the DOJ’s claims. The company maintains a “clear zero-tolerance policy” regarding confirmed service denials.

Uber emphasizes that all drivers are required to acknowledge and adhere to the U.S. Service Animal Policy and all relevant accessibility laws before activating the Uber Driver app.

The company states it consistently reminds drivers of these obligations and takes “decisive action,” including permanent account deactivation, upon confirming any violations.

Previous Accusations and Legal Actions

Uber has faced ongoing accusations of discriminatory practices towards individuals with physical disabilities. The DOJ previously filed a lawsuit in 2021 alleging overcharging of disabled passengers.

A settlement was reached in 2022, resulting in Uber paying millions of dollars to over 65,000 affected users. The company has also been subject to numerous individual lawsuits and public demonstrations concerning similar allegations.

Recent Investigation and Feature Rollout

The DOJ informed Uber in 2024 that its treatment of disabled riders was under investigation. Following this notification, Uber implemented a feature allowing passengers to voluntarily identify themselves as traveling with service animals.

This feature was introduced after Uber became aware of the DOJ’s investigation, as detailed in the complaint filed in the Northern District of California.

This report has been updated to include a statement from Uber.