The U.S. Department of Justice filed a lawsuit against Lyft in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, alleging the company and its drivers "routinely refuse to serve" people with disabilities. The DOJ claims Lyft discriminated against riders who use stowable wheelchairs or travel with service animals, imposed cancellation fees on people denied service, and charged passengers with disabilities higher fees and unnecessary surcharges.
The Justice Department seeks $53 million in damages for what it describes as "hundreds, and likely thousands" of wronged customers. The government also asks the court to consider an additional civil penalty against Lyft.
The DOJ states that Lyft failed to change its policies and practices to prevent discrimination and did not adequately train drivers and customer service representatives about their obligations under federal law.
This lawsuit follows a similar DOJ action against Uber last year, when the government sought $125 million in damages for alleged Americans with Disabilities Act violations. Uber has since committed to expanding access and improving the experience of riders with disabilities.
Lyft disputes the allegations and said in a statement that discrimination has no place in the company. Lyft stated it has longstanding policies requiring drivers to accommodate riders with service animals or foldable mobility devices, and drivers who violate these policies face permanent deactivation. The company says it is fully cooperating with the Department of Justice.
Lyft resolved similar discrimination allegations in 2020 involving drivers denying service to people using wheelchairs or walkers. That settlement included policy revisions, thousands of dollars in damages to four passengers, and a $40,000 civil penalty.