Home / Crime and Justice / DOJ Sues Lyft Over Service Animal Bias
DOJ Sues Lyft Over Service Animal Bias
10 Nov
Summary
- Lyft faces a $53 million lawsuit from the Justice Department.
- The suit alleges discrimination against disabled passengers.
- Lyft allegedly refused service to individuals with disabilities.
The U.S. Justice Department initiated a lawsuit against ride-sharing company Lyft on Monday, alleging widespread discrimination against passengers with disabilities. The suit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, seeks $53 million for individuals who have lodged complaints with Lyft or the Department of Justice. The core allegations center on Lyft's alleged violation of Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, which prohibits discrimination by private transportation providers.
The Justice Department contends that Lyft and its drivers have routinely denied service to passengers with disabilities. This includes individuals who rely on service animals or use mobility devices such as stowable wheelchairs. The lawsuit aims to secure a court order compelling Lyft to cease discriminatory practices, revise its policies to align with the Americans with Disabilities Act, and implement mandatory training for its staff and drivers.
This action follows a similar lawsuit filed last year against Uber, which also faced accusations of violating the same federal law by discriminating against passengers with disabilities. The government had sought $125 million in that case. Uber had previously stated its disagreement with the allegations and its commitment to improving accessibility for riders with disabilities.
