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.
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