Feds Accuse Lyft Of Denying Rides To Passengers With Service Dogs, Wheelchairs

SAN FRANCISCO, CA — Federal authorities have filed a lawsuit against Lyft, accusing the popular ride-share company of discriminating against people with certain disabilities.

The United States Justice Department filed the lawsuit Monday. It alleges that Lyft denied services to people with service animals and mobility devices such as stowable wheelchairs.

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"Individuals with disabilities should be able to rely on rideshare services free of discrimination," Acting Assistant Attorney General Jesus A. Osete of the Justice Department's Civil Rights Division said in a statement. "We intend to uphold the ADA's promise that people with disabilities are entitled to equal access in every part of public life, including essential transportation services."

George Flynn, a Lyft spokesperson, told Patch that the company disagreed with the allegations.

For years, Lyft has had policies to accommodate riders with service animals or foldable mobility devices, Flynn said.

Drivers who violate those policies face "serious consequences," including being kicked off the platform, according to the company.

"We've built that commitment into the app too, so riders can let drivers know ahead of time they're traveling with a service animal and drivers are reminded that refusing one is against the law," Flynn said on Lyft's behalf. "We've worked with the DOJ throughout its review, and we'll keep working to make sure every rider can get where they need to go."

Prosecutors, however, allege that the company routinely refused services to people with disabilities, imposed surcharges by charging Lyft riders cancellation fees when denied services over disabilities, and refused to modify its policies, federal prosecutors allege.

Through these actions, Lyft has caused significant harm to people with disabilities, according to federal prosecutors.

The lawsuit seeks $53 million for people impacted by the discrimination and has filed complaints with Lyft and the Department of Justice, authorities said.

It also seeks a court order forcing Lyft to modify its policies in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1999 and to train its staff and drivers on the law, authorities said.

"We take these allegations of misconduct seriously and, like our case against Uber for similar discriminatory conduct, we will devote all the resources necessary to make things right," U.S. Attorney Craig H. Missakian for the Northern District of California said. "The stakes are high and we owe those with disabilities nothing less."