US Sues Ride-Hailing Company Over Disability Discrimination, Seeks $53m Compensation  

The United States Department of Justice (DOJ) has filed a lawsuit against ride-hailing company Lyft Inc., accusing it of discriminating against passengers with disabilities, including those who rely on service animals and mobility aids such as stowable wheelchairs.

The department is seeking $53 million in compensation for people with disabilities who allegedly experienced discrimination and filed complaints with Lyft or the DOJ.

In the lawsuit, the DOJ accused Lyft of violating Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), which prohibits private transportation providers, including ride-hailing companies, from discriminating against people because of their disabilities.

According to the department, Lyft drivers routinely refuse to transport passengers with disabilities, while some impose improper charges, including cancellation fees, on riders who are denied service.

The DOJ also alleged that the company failed to make reasonable changes to its policies and practices to accommodate passengers with disabilities.

Additionally, the department claimed that Lyft drivers sometimes refuse to allow passengers with mobility impairments to sit in the front seat when their conditions require it.

Through the lawsuit, the DOJ is asking the court to order Lyft to end the alleged discriminatory practices, revise its policies to comply with the ADA and provide training for its employees and drivers on the law’s requirements.

Beyond compensation for affected passengers, the department is seeking civil penalties against the company to safeguard the public interest and deter disability discrimination.