DOJ Sues Uber Over Disability Discrimination
The Justice Department has taken Uber back to court, alleging drivers routinely turn away riders with disabilities despite the company’s anti-discrimination policies.
The US Department of Justice (DOJ) is once again taking Uber to court, this time over claims of discrimination against people with disabilities. For many, ride-hailing apps are supposed to mean independence and convenience. But according to the lawsuit, for riders with service animals or stowable wheelchairs, the experience has often been the opposite, marked by refusals, rude treatment, or invasive questioning.
Filed in federal court in Northern California, the complaint accuses Uber and its drivers of denying disabled passengers equal access. Some were allegedly insulted or demeaned, while others faced outright service refusals. The DOJ argues that such treatment undermines the very promise of on-demand mobility.
Uber strongly disagrees. In a statement, the company pointed to its zero-tolerance rules, permanent driver bans for confirmed violations, and training materials rolled out last year, including a service animal education video for all US drivers. The company insists its policies are clear and that discrimination has no place on its platform.
Still, this isn’t new ground. Back in 2021, Uber was sued for charging disabled riders unfair wait-time fees. That case ended in a 2022 settlement worth millions, compensating more than 65,000 passengers. Beyond government action, individual lawsuits and public protests have highlighted the same pattern: people with disabilities often feel left behind in a service meant for everyone.
The DOJ says it warned Uber in 2024 that its practices were under investigation. Shortly after, Uber introduced a feature allowing riders to self-identify when travelling with service animals. While that might seem like progress, the lawsuit suggests the move may have come too late.
The case also fits into a broader trend of the Justice Department stepping in on tech giants over discrimination. In 2023, it sued SpaceX over its hiring practices toward refugees and asylees. Together, these cases raise bigger questions about accountability in Silicon Valley, when platforms become essential public utilities, how should they handle accessibility and fairness?
The outcome of this lawsuit will ripple far beyond fines or settlements. For disabled riders, it could shape whether ride-hailing finally delivers on its promise of freedom and inclusion, or continues to leave some passengers stranded.
Kelechi Edeh
