The U.S. government has filed a lawsuit against Uber Technologies Inc., accusing the ride-hailing company of violating federal disability rights law by discriminating against passengers with disabilities. The case, brought under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), claims Uber imposed unlawful surcharges and failed to provide equal access to disabled riders, according to a Reuters report.
The Department of Justice is seeking injunctive relief, monetary compensation, and civil penalties, arguing that Uber repeatedly denied or limited services to passengers who rely on wheelchairs, service animals, or other forms of assistance.
Allegations of mistreatment and unlawful surcharges
Court filings allege that Uber drivers routinely refused rides to passengers with stowable wheelchairs or travelling with service animals. In some cases, passengers were reportedly subjected to demeaning treatment, including insulting remarks and “inappropriate questions” about their medical conditions.
The lawsuit also highlights the issue of extra fees charged to riders with disabilities, calling them unlawful surcharges that placed an additional burden on individuals who already face accessibility challenges.
The ADA, enacted in 1990, bars discrimination against people with disabilities in public services and requires companies providing transportation or public access services to make reasonable accommodations. The case now raises questions over Uber’s compliance with the law and whether its platform ensures accessibility for all riders.
Spotlight on Uber’s accessibility practices
The lawsuit intensifies scrutiny of Uber’s treatment of disabled passengers, an issue disability rights advocates have flagged for years. While the company has previously said it is working to expand accessibility features, the legal action signals growing regulatory pressure on tech-enabled transport services to meet ADA standards.
Uber has not yet issued a public response to the case. If successful, the lawsuit could force the company to overhaul its policies, strengthen driver training, and pay compensation to affected riders.