Federal government sues Uber over alleged discrimination against people with disabilities

The federal administration stated Friday that it is suing Uber for allegedly discriminating against passengers with disabilities The Department of Justice commented Uber drivers routinely refuse to serve individuals with disabilities including those with system dogs Uber is the largest ride-hailing company in the U S The lawsuit alleges that Uber drivers have charged illegal cleaning fees for function animal shedding and imposed cancellation fees after denying arrangement The lawsuit also alleges that drivers have refused to allow disabled individuals to sit in the front seat so they can use the back seat for mobility devices Disabled individuals have missed appointments experienced crucial delays and have been stranded in inclement weather the lawsuit declared For too long blind riders have suffered repeated ride denials by Uber because they are traveling with a function dog revealed Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon of the Justice Department s Civil Rights Division This lawsuit seeks to end this persistent discrimination and allow riders with disabilities to use Uber In a comment Friday Uber mentioned all of its drivers must acknowledge and agree to comply with its function animal and accessibility policies Uber stated it prohibits drivers from denying system to someone with a provision animal and it requires drivers to provide transportation to a person with a disability as long as they get into the wagon on their own It also prohibits drivers from refusing to assist with the stowing of devices like walkers crutches and folding wheelchairs Riders who use guide dogs or other assistive devices deserve a safe respectful and welcoming experience on Uber full stop the company stated Uber announced it disagrees with the statements in the lawsuit Uber announced it established a hotline in for customers who were denied a ride because of a facility animal Uber mentioned when it confirms that a violation has occurred it takes action including deactivating a driver s account The Department of Justice is seeking million for disabled individuals who have previously submitted complaints to Uber or the Department of Justice The situation was filed in federal court in Northern California Uber Technologies is based in San Francisco