The Justice Department filed a lawsuit accusing Uber Technologies Inc. of discriminating against passengers with disabilities, including riders with service animals and stowable wheelchairs, prosecutors announced.
The suit alleges Uber violated Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act by refusing service, imposing improper surcharges and failing to make reasonable policy changes for riders with disabilities, a press release Friday noted.
The department seeks $125 million for individuals who filed complaints and a court order requiring Uber to comply with the ADA, according to prosecutors.
“Rideshare companies like Uber are prohibited from denying riders with disabilities the same access to transportation that riders without disabilities enjoy,” said U.S. Attorney Craig H. Missakian of the Northern District of California on Thursday.
The lawsuit also demands Uber train its staff and drivers on ADA requirements and pay a civil penalty to address public harm, the office of the U.S. Attorney said.