The U.S. Department of Justice has filed a lawsuit against Uber Technologies Inc., alleging widespread discrimination against passengers with disabilities. The complaint, lodged in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, claims that Uber drivers have routinely denied rides to individuals with service animals or stowable wheelchairs, charged unlawful cleaning and cancellation fees, and refused reasonable accommodations, such as allowing passengers with mobility impairments to sit in the front seat.
Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon emphasized that the suit seeks to end persistent discrimination in transportation, stating that the Department aims to “ensure that riders with disabilities receive the same access and respect as any other passenger under the Americans with Disabilities Act.” The DOJ is seeking $125 million in damages for affected individuals and an injunction to prevent further violations.
Uber has denied the allegations, saying its policies require drivers to accommodate service animals and assist with mobility devices. The company highlighted a support hotline established in 2023 and emphasized its commitment to investigating confirmed violations, including potential account deactivations for drivers who refuse service.
Disability advocates welcomed the lawsuit, noting that rideshare services have become essential for many who rely on mobility devices or service animals. This is similar to another federal case against Uber a few years ago that helped set up the precedent for the current case. “People with disabilities deserve equal access to all areas of community life, including the private transportation services provided by companies like Uber,” former Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke with the DOJ’s Civil Rights Division said at the time.
The case underscores ongoing challenges in the tech-driven gig economy, where enforcement of accessibility standards often depends on individual drivers and company oversight. A court date has not yet been scheduled.
