U.S. sues ridesharing firm for $53 million over alleged discrimination against passengers with disabilities
The United States Department of Justice (DOJ) has sued Lyft Inc. over allegations of discrimination against passengers with disabilities, including those who use service animals and mobility devices such as stowable wheelchairs.
The department is seeking $53 million in compensation for individuals with disabilities allegedly discriminated against by Lyft and have submitted complaints to the company or the department.
The DOJ accused the transportation company of violating Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), which prohibits private transportation companies, including Lyft, from discriminating against individuals based on disability.
According to the DOJ, Lyft and its drivers regularly refuse service to passengers with disabilities, impose unacceptable surcharges, including cancellation fees, on passengers denied service, and fail to make reasonable adjustments to their policies and practices to accommodate riders with disabilities.
The department also alleged that Lyft drivers deny passengers with mobility disabilities the option of sitting in the front seat when necessary.
The lawsuit seeks a court order compelling Lyft to stop discriminating against individuals with disabilities, modify its policies to comply with the ADA, and train its staff and drivers on the requirements of the law.
Other than the monetary damages for individuals affected by the alleged discrimination, the DOJ is seeking civil penalties against Lyft to protect the public interest in eliminating disability discrimination.
The U.S. Attorney, Craig H. Missakian for the Northern District of California said the department was committed to ensuring equal access to transportation services for all Americans.
“We take these allegations of misconduct seriously and … will devote all the resources necessary to make things right,” he said.
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
States
Independence: NBA urges Nigerians to expect better future
The NBA said that ordinary Nigerians should be deriving benefit from the subsidy removal rather than hardship.
Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
NationWide
Tinubu’s feats will make it difficult for opposition parties unseat him: WikeÂ
Mr Wike cited what he described as Mr Tinubu’s undeniable and rich report card of infrastructure development across the country.
Heading 4
Wike defends ₦10 million reward for councillors amid vote buying claim
The minister insisted that the offer was an incentive for hard work and not vote buying.
Sport
Tanzania’s Taifa Stars lands in Uyo four days to AFCON qualifier as Super Eagles yet to arrive camp
As of press time, none of the invited Super Eagles players has arrived the national team’s camp.
Education
UNESCO trains 1,445 Bayelsa teachers in AI, digital pedagogyÂ
Mr Sadiq described digital pedagogy and AI as emerging areas in teaching and learning.
World
U.S. sues ridesharing firm for $53 million over alleged discrimination against passengers with disabilities
The department also alleged that Lyft drivers deny passengers with mobility disabilities the option of sitting in the front seat when necessary.
NationWide
Tinubu’s $500 million 2027 World Bank loan debt trap for new government: AtikuÂ
Mr Atiku said, “The Atiku administration will commence on May 29, 2027, and we will not begin our government by taking another loan.”
