The U.S. Department of Justice has sued Lyft, alleging that the ride-hailing company and its drivers routinely refused service to passengers with disabilities and violated Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
The lawsuit was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, the Justice Department said.
Allegations in the Complaint
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 department cited as one example refusing to let passengers with mobility disabilities sit in the front seat when needed.
The complaint says the problem is widespread, alleging that 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.”
Relief Sought
The lawsuit seeks $53 million for individuals with disabilities who Lyft allegedly discriminated against and who submitted complaints to Lyft or the Department of Justice.
It also asks the court to order Lyft to stop the alleged practices, update its policies to comply with the ADA, and train its employees and drivers on the law. The department is further seeking compensation for people who experienced discrimination and a civil penalty to hold Lyft accountable and protect the public interest.
Acting Assistant Attorney General Jesus A. Osete of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division said, “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.”
Lyft Response and Prior Settlement
Lyft said 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.
