The DOJ sues Uber (once more) for allegedly discriminating towards folks with disabilities

The US Division of Justice sued Uber on Thursday over incapacity discrimination… once more. The lawsuit claims the corporate and its drivers “routinely refuse to serve people with disabilities.” It particularly calls out its dealing with of passengers with service animals or stowable wheelchairs. The swimsuit was filed in federal courtroom in Northern California.

“Regardless of the significance of its providers to folks with disabilities, Uber denies folks with disabilities full and equal enjoyment of its providers in a number of important methods,” the lawsuit reads. It additionally accuses Uber’s drivers of insulting and demeaning folks with disabilities and asking them inappropriate questions.

In an announcement despatched to Engadget, Uber contested the federal government’s claims. “Riders who use information canine or different assistive units deserve a secure, respectful, and welcoming expertise on Uber — full cease,” the corporate wrote. “We now have a transparent zero-tolerance coverage for confirmed service denials, and we basically disagree with the DOJ’s allegations.”

Uber mentioned all drivers should acknowledge and conform to its service animal policy earlier than they will start driving. “Once we verify a violation, we take decisive motion, together with everlasting account deactivation,” the corporate wrote. Uber famous that its community guidelines prohibit discrimination. It additionally added that it despatched a service animal training video to all US drivers final 12 months, explaining their very important position.

Earlier this 12 months, Uber added a characteristic that lets passengers alert drivers that they’ll be traveling with service animals. The DOJ’s criticism says the corporate launched the characteristic solely after being notified of the investigation. “However Uber has continued to discriminate towards riders who use service animals however the characteristic,” the submitting reads.

The DOJ is searching for a jury trial, injunctive reduction and financial damages. It additionally desires to cost Uber a civil nice for violations of the People with Disabilities Act.

If this all sounds acquainted, there is a good motive. The DOJ sued Uber in 2021 over comparable claims. That swimsuit targeted on “wait time” charges despatched to passengers who, as a consequence of their disabilities, wanted extra time. The 2 sides settled the lawsuit in 2022. Uber agreed to pay at least $2.2 million to passengers with disabilities who had been charged ready charges. The corporate has additionally confronted a string of lawsuits from passengers over serving riders with disabilities.