The Justice Department on Monday filed a lawsuit against Lyft Inc., alleging the rideshare company discriminates against passengers with disabilities. The complaint accuses Lyft of denying rides to people who use service animals and mobility devices, including stowable wheelchairs.
The lawsuit seeks $53 million for individuals with disabilities who have been discriminated against and have submitted complaints to Lyft or the department. The Justice Department noted that millions of Americans rely on Lyft as a significant way to travel.
The civil complaint was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California. It alleges Lyft violated Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, which bans private transit companies from treating people differently because of a disability.
Under the ADA, Lyft must carry passengers who have disabilities along with their service animals. The law also requires the company to provide rides and assist passengers with stowable wheelchairs and other mobility devices. According to the department, the ADA defines a service animal as a dog taught to do work connected to someone’s disability, while emotional support dogs do not qualify.
The Justice Department alleges that Lyft and its drivers routinely refuse service to riders with disabilities. The complaint states that Lyft imposes impermissible surcharges, such as cancellation fees, on riders who are unlawfully denied service. The department also accuses the company of refusing to reasonably modify its policies or practices to avoid discrimination, including refusing to let passengers who have mobility issues ride in the front seat if they need to.
Acting Assistant Attorney General Jesus A. Osete of the Civil Rights Division said the government intends to uphold the ADA’s promise of equal access to public life. “Individuals with disabilities should be able to rely on rideshare services free of discrimination,” Osete said.
U.S Attorney Craig H. Missakian for the Northern District of California said the department takes the misconduct allegations seriously. Missakian said the government will devote necessary resources to the issue, noting a similar department case against Uber for discriminatory conduct.
The lawsuit asks the court for an order to force Lyft to stop discriminating against individuals with disabilities. The government also wants Lyft to update its rules to meet ADA standards and instruct workers and drivers about the law. In addition to the $53 million in monetary damages for affected individuals, the lawsuit demands a civil penalty to vindicate the public’s interest in eliminating discrimination.