US sues Lyft, alleges discrimination against disabled riders

The United States Department of Justice sued Lyft on Monday, accusing the ride-hailing company of violating Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. According to Reuters and The Guardian, the federal lawsuit was filed in the US District Court for the Northern District of California and alleges that Lyft and its drivers routinely refuse service to individuals with disabilities. These riders include those who use service animals and mobility devices such as stowable wheelchairs. CTV News reported that the lawsuit alleges Lyft denied rides to passengers with service dogs and wheelchairs. Law360 reported that the DOJ stated Lyft drivers insult and demean disabled riders. The Guardian noted specific examples from the complaint, such as a Nevada woman using a wheelchair who was allegedly left behind when a Lyft driver drove away as she waved for attention. A Texas man with vision and hearing impairments reportedly began leaving his guide dog at home to avoid further service denials. The Justice Department stated that Lyft was privy to widespread disability-based discrimination on its platform but failed to take action to prevent it. Jesus A Osete, acting assistant attorney general, said in a statement reported by The Guardian that individuals with disabilities should be able to rely on rideshare services free of discrimination and that the agency intends to uphold the ADA promise of equal access in public life. The lawsuit seeks a court order to force Lyft to stop the alleged discrimination, modify its policies to comply with the ADA, and train staff and drivers on the law. The DOJ also seeks $53 million for individuals with disabilities who experienced the alleged discrimination and submitted complaints to Lyft or the Department of Justice. Lyft stated that it disagreed with the allegations made in the lawsuit. In a statement reported by Reuters and The Guardian, Lyft said it has long-standing policies requiring drivers to accommodate riders traveling with service animals or foldable mobility devices, and that drivers violating these policies face serious consequences including permanent deactivation. Lyft also stated that it cooperated with the DOJ during its review and remains committed to serving every rider. The federal government previously sued Uber last year for violating the same federal law by discriminating against passengers with disabilities, seeking $125 million for individuals subjected to that alleged discrimination. Uber disagreed with those allegations, while Uber settled a separate suit in 2022 and Lyft settled a different one in 2020.