U.S. sues Uber, alleges disability discrimination

A sign marks a pick-up point for the Uber car service at LaGuardia Airport in New York. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig, File)

The U.S. government on Thursday sued Uber Technologies, accusing the ride-sharing company of discriminating against passengers with disabilities.

In a complaint filed in San Francisco federal court, the U.S. Department of Justice said Uber drivers routinely refuse to serve people with disabilities, including riders who travel with service animals or stowable wheelchairs.

The department also said Uber and its drivers impose impermissible surcharges by charging cleaning fees for service animals, and cancellation fees to riders who are denied service.

Some drivers also insult and demean people with disabilities, or refuse reasonable requests such as letting passengers with mobility impairments sit in the front seat.

“Uber’s discriminatory conduct has caused significant economic, emotional, and physical harm to individuals with disabilities,” the complaint said.

The lawsuit seeks an injunction barring further violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act, changes to Uber’s practices, monetary damages and a civil fine.

Uber did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The Justice Department did not immediately respond to a request for additional information.

(Reporting by Jonathan Stempel in New York; Editing by Chris Reese and Nick Zieminski)