The US Department of Justice filed a lawsuit against Uber on Thursday, accusing the company of discriminating against people with physical disabilities.
The complaint, filed in a federal court in San Francisco, said Uber denies disabled people full and equal enjoyment of its services.
It alleged drivers routinely refuse service to passengers with service animals or stowable wheelchairs, leaving users stranded and frustrated.
Uber drivers are also accused of imposing cleaning fees for service animals and cancellation fees on riders who are refused rides.
The lawsuit claims some drivers insult and demean people with disabilities or ask inappropriate personal questions during rides.
“Despite the importance of its services to people with disabilities, Uber denies them critical access in several ways,” the complaint said.
Uber responded, saying it has a zero-tolerance policy for service denials and fundamentally disagrees with the DOJ’s claims.
This is not the first time Uber has faced issues regarding disabled passengers in the United States.
In 2022, the company paid $2.2 million to settle claims that its wait-time fees discriminated against disabled users.
Disability advocates in the UK have also reported similar experiences. Table tennis Paralympic medallist Jack Hunter-Spivey said drivers often drove away upon seeing his wheelchair.
The lawsuit highlights ongoing concerns about accessibility and fair treatment for disabled passengers relying on ride-hailing services.
Legal experts say the case could have significant consequences for Uber and other transport providers across the country.
The outcome may force stricter enforcement of accessibility rules and better training for drivers who interact with people with disabilities.
The Department of Justice has yet to announce a timeline for court proceedings, and Uber continues to contest the allegations.
This case draws attention to how essential accessible transportation is and the responsibilities of companies serving all customers.
