Justice Department sues Uber for allegedly discriminating against people with disabilities

The U.S. Justice Department has initiated legal proceedings against Uber, claiming that the ride-hailing giant has breached federal laws by failing to accommodate individuals with physical disabilities. The Department of Justice (DOJ) asserts that Uber and its drivers frequently decline service to those with disabilities, including passengers accompanied by service animals or utilizing foldable wheelchairs. The lawsuit highlights that Uber reportedly imposes additional fees on riders requiring special accommodations, including cancellation charges when service is denied. These practices, as outlined in the complaint, are alleged to contravene the Americans with Disabilities Act. "Despite the critical role of its services for people with disabilities, Uber effectively denies them full and equal access in significant ways," DOJ lawyers stated. They further emphasized that Uber has not made reasonable adjustments to its policies or practices to prevent discrimination against disabled riders, leading to substantial economic, emotional, and physical distress. In response, Uber expressed strong disagreement with the DOJ's claims, asserting its commitment to a strict zero-tolerance policy regarding service denials. The company confirmed that all drivers must acknowledge compliance with its U.S. Service Animal Policy and relevant accessibility laws before accessing the Uber Driver app. It also stated that it takes serious action against confirmed violations, including permanent deactivation of accounts. Uber's history with allegations of discrimination against individuals with disabilities is notable; in 2021, the DOJ sued the company for excessive charges imposed on disabled passengers. This culminated in a settlement in 2022, where Uber agreed to pay millions to over 65,000 users who were affected. Furthermore, Uber has faced numerous individual lawsuits from riders claiming similar discriminatory practices, alongside public protests. The latest complaint, filed in federal court in California's Northern District, notes that the DOJ informed Uber in 2024 about an investigation into its treatment of disabled riders. Following this notification, Uber introduced a feature allowing passengers to identify themselves as traveling with service animals. This ongoing situation continues to unfold, with updates expected as the case progresses.