Uber Technologies, the San Francisco–based ride-hailing company, is facing a new lawsuit filed by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), which accuses the company of violating the Americans with Disabilities Act. The DOJ’s civil rights division claims that Uber and its drivers “routinely refuse to serve individuals with disabilities, including individuals who travel with service animals or who use stowable wheelchairs.” The complaint also alleges that Uber charged additional fees to riders requiring accommodations, such as cancellation charges when service was denied.
DOJ lawyers stated, “Despite the importance of its services to people with disabilities, Uber denies people with disabilities full and equal enjoyment of its services in several critical ways. Uber also refuses to reasonably modify its policies, practices, or procedures where necessary to avoid discriminating against riders with disabilities.” The lawsuit, filed in federal court in California’s Northern District, argues that these practices caused “significant economic, emotional, and physical harm” to disabled passengers.
Uber strongly denied the allegations, saying it “fundamentally” disagrees with the DOJ’s claims. The company stated, “Every driver must acknowledge and agree to comply with our U.S. Service Animal Policy and all applicable accessibility laws before using the Uber Driver app, and we regularly remind drivers of these obligations. When we confirm a violation, we take decisive action, including permanent account deactivation.”
Uber has previously faced legal action on similar grounds. In 2021, the DOJ sued the company for overcharging passengers with disabilities, leading to a 2022 settlement in which Uber paid millions of dollars to more than 65,000 affected riders. The DOJ noted that Uber was alerted in 2024 that its treatment of disabled passengers was under investigation, after which Uber introduced a feature allowing riders to self-identify when traveling with service animals.
