Justice Department Sues Lyft, Seeking $53,000,000 Over Alleged Refusal To Serve Riders With Disabilities
The federal government has sued Lyft, accusing the ride-hailing company and its drivers of routinely refusing service to passengers with disabilities.
The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, alleges Lyft violated Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Justice Department says.
The civil lawsuit accuses Lyft and its drivers of regularly refusing rides to people with disabilities. It also alleges that Lyft charges cancellation fees to passengers who are denied service and fails to make reasonable changes to accommodate riders with disabilities. The DOJ says one example is refusing to let passengers with mobility disabilities sit in the front seat when needed.
“The lawsuit seeks $53 million for individuals with disabilities who Lyft has discriminated against, and who have submitted complaints to Lyft or the Department.”
The lawsuit also asks the court to order Lyft to stop these practices, update its policies to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and train its employees and drivers on the law. It also seeks compensation for people who experienced discrimination and a civil penalty to hold Lyft accountable and protect the public interest.
Says Acting Assistant Attorney General Jesus A. Osete of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division,
“Individuals with disabilities should be able to rely on rideshare services free of discrimination. We intend to uphold the ADA’s promise that people with disabilities are entitled to equal access in every part of public life, including essential transportation services.”
The complaint says the problem is widespread.
“Lyft denies service to hundreds, and likely thousands, of individuals with disabilities who travel with service animals, or who use wheelchairs or other mobility devices.”
Lyft says it disagrees with the allegations outlined in the Justice Department’s lawsuit.
The lawsuit follows a 2020 out-of-court settlement in which Lyft agreed to pay damages and revise its wheelchair policies after the department investigated similar allegations.
Lyft is a ride-hailing company that provides rides to millions of people across the United States.
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