US sues Lyft, alleges discrimination against disabled riders

The US Justice Department sued Lyft on Monday, alleging the ride-hailing services provider discriminated against passengers with disabilities, including those who use service animals and mobility devices such as stowable wheelchairs. CTV News, Yahoo, The New York Times, and Reuters reported on the filing in the US District Court for the Northern District of California. According to Reuters, the lawsuit seeks $53 million for individuals with disabilities whom Lyft allegedly discriminated against, and who have submitted complaints to Lyft or the Department of Justice, the DOJ said in a statement.

Law360 reported that the DOJ says Lyft drivers 'insult and demean' disabled riders. The Justice Department alleged that Lyft and its drivers routinely refuse service to individuals with disabilities and refuse to reasonably modify Lyft's policies and practices to avoid such discrimination. The lawsuit alleges Lyft violated Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, which prohibits private transportation companies from discriminating based on disability.

The lawsuit seeks a court order to force Lyft to stop the alleged discrimination, to modify its policies to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act, and to train its staff and drivers on the law, the Justice Department said. Marketscreener.com noted the $53 million figure in its coverage of the lawsuit.

Lyft said it disagreed with the allegations made in the Justice Department lawsuit. 'We have long-standing policies requiring drivers to accommodate riders who travel with service animals or use foldable mobility devices, and drivers who violate these policies face serious consequences, including permanent deactivation,' Lyft said in a statement responding to the lawsuit. Lyft also stated that it has cooperated with the DOJ during its review.

Reuters provided background noting that last year, the US government sued Uber, accusing the ride-sharing company of violating the same federal law by discriminating against passengers with disabilities. That lawsuit sought $125 million for individuals subjected to the alleged discrimination and who previously submitted complaints to Uber or the Justice Department. Uber had said it disagreed with all of the allegations, and was committed to expanding access and improving the experience of riders with disabilities.