The U.S. Justice Department (DOJ) has filed a lawsuit against Uber, alleging that the ride-hailing company discriminates against individuals with physical disabilities. The DOJ’s civil rights division claims that Uber and its drivers “routinely refuse to serve individuals with disabilities,” including those traveling with service animals or using stowable wheelchairs.
The lawsuit also accuses Uber of imposing additional fees on riders requiring special accommodations, such as cancellation fees when service is denied. These actions, according to the DOJ, violate the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Key Allegations
The DOJ’s complaint highlights that Uber denies individuals with disabilities “full and equal enjoyment” of its services and fails to make reasonable modifications to its policies to prevent discrimination. This conduct has resulted in “significant economic, emotional, and physical harm” to those affected.
In response, Uber has stated that it “fundamentally” disagrees with the allegations and emphasizes its commitment to a zero-tolerance policy for service denials. The company asserts that all drivers must comply with its U.S. Service Animal Policy and other accessibility laws, and it takes decisive action against violators.
Background and Previous Issues
Uber has a history of facing accusations regarding its treatment of passengers with disabilities. In 2021, the DOJ sued the company for overcharging disabled passengers, leading to a settlement in 2022 that required Uber to pay millions to over 65,000 affected users. The company has also encountered multiple personal lawsuits and public protests related to similar claims.
According to the current complaint, filed in California’s Northern District, the DOJ informed Uber in 2024 that it was investigating the company’s treatment of disabled riders. Following this notification, Uber introduced a feature allowing passengers to self-identify when traveling with service animals.
This lawsuit marks another chapter in ongoing concerns about accessibility and discrimination within the ride-hailing industry.