Lyft Accused of Discriminating Against Disabled Passengers In New Federal Lawsuit

The US Justice Department filed suit against Lyft on Monday, alleging that the ride-hailing company routinely denies rides to people with disabilities while imposing cancellation fees and unnecessary upcharges. The lawsuit, filed Monday in the US District Court for the Northern District of California, describes multiple instances in which passengers requested rides through Lyft only to have drivers refuse to pick them up because of their disabilities, as Reuters reports . Some of the incidents reportedly occurred as recently as last month, with affected passengers experiencing delays in reaching medical appointments. The Justice Department alleges that Lyft drivers routinely turn away passengers who travel with service animals or use mobility devices, including wheelchairs that can be folded and stored in a vehicle. The government also accuses the company of failing to adequately address the problem through its driver policies, customer service practices, and employee training. According to the New York Times , the company had previously said it would update its policies when it settled a separate discrimination lawsuit in 2020. Lyft had also agreed to pay damages to four passengers as well as a $40,000 civil penalty in the 2020 lawsuit. The lawsuit seeks $53 million for passengers with disabilities who previously filed complaints with Lyft or the Justice Department. It also reportedly asks the court to impose a civil penalty and require Lyft to change its policies, train drivers and customer service representatives on their obligations under federal disability law, and take steps to prevent further discrimination. The government alleges that some passengers who were denied rides were subsequently charged cancellation fees, while others faced additional charges and surcharges that were not necessary, as the Times reports. The lawsuit claims Lyft violated Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, which prohibits private transportation companies from discriminating against people with disabilities. “Individuals with disabilities should be able to rely on rideshare services free of discrimination,” said Jesus A. Osete, acting assistant attorney general, in a Justice Department statement, per the Associated Press . Lyft rejected the allegations, saying it already has policies requiring drivers to accommodate passengers with service animals and foldable mobility devices. The company also said drivers who violate those rules can face serious consequences, including permanent deactivation, and that it cooperated with the Justice Department during its investigation. The lawsuit follows similar legal action against Uber, which the Justice Department sued last year over alleged discrimination against passengers with disabilities, which is ongoing, according to Reuters. That case seeks $125 million in damages for affected riders. Uber has also disputed the allegations. Uber reached a settlement in another disability discrimination case in 2022. Related: Feds Sue Uber Over 'Wait Time' Fees Which They Say Discriminate Against the Disabled