By Kanishka Singh
WASHINGTON, Nov 9 (Reuters) – The US Justice Department sued Lyft on Monday, alleging the ride-hailing services provider discriminated against passengers with disabilities, including those who use service animals and mobility devices such as stowable wheelchairs.
The lawsuit seeks $53 million for individuals with disabilities whom Lyft allegedly discriminated against, and who have submitted complaints to Lyft or the Department of Justice, the DOJ said in a statement.
Lyft said it disagreed with the allegations made in the Justice Department lawsuit that was filed in the US District Court for the Northern District of California.
The lawsuit alleges Lyft violated Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, which prohibits private transportation companies from discriminating based on disability.
The lawsuit seeks a court order to force Lyft to stop the alleged discrimination, to modify its policies to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act, and to train its staff and drivers on the law, the Justice Department said.
The Justice Department alleged that Lyft and its drivers routinely refuse service to individuals with disabilities and refuse to reasonably modify Lyft’s policies and practices to avoid such discrimination.
“We have long-standing policies requiring drivers to accommodate riders who travel with service animals or use foldable mobility devices, and drivers who violate these policies face serious consequences, including permanent deactivation,” Lyft said in a statement responding to the lawsuit.
Lyft also said it has cooperated with the DOJ during its review.
Last year, the US government sued Uber, accusing the ride-sharing company of violating the same federal law by discriminating against passengers with disabilities.
That lawsuit sought $125 million for individuals subjected to the alleged discrimination and who previously submitted complaints to Uber or the Justice Department.
Uber had said it disagreed with all of the allegations, and was committed to expanding access and improving the experience of riders with disabilities.
(Reporting by Kanishka Singh in Washington; Editing by Caitlin Webber and Thomas Derpinghaus)
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