DOJ sues ridesharing giant over wait time policy

by mcardinal

Chris Lange, FISM News

 

The U.S. Department of Justice on Wednesday filed a lawsuit against Uber Technologies Inc. alleging that the ridesharing company violated anti-discrimination laws in its “wait time” policy. 

The suit, filed in the U.S. District Court in San Francisco, argues that Uber’s 2016 policy of charging passengers wait time fees unfairly targeted disabled customers in violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

At issue is Uber’s monetary penalty for passengers who take longer than two minutes to enter one of its rideshare service vehicles. Clarke points out that clients who use wheelchairs, for example, may require additional time to unload and store them for transport. The DOJ is asking the court to order Uber to alter the policy and pay monetary damages to those who were unjustly penalized.

“This lawsuit seeks to bring Uber into compliance with the mandate of the Americans with Disabilities Act while sending a powerful message that Uber cannot penalize passengers with disabilities simply because they need more time to get into a car. Uber and other companies that provide transportation services must ensure equal access for all people, including those with disabilities,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke with the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division in a statement.

According to Reuters, Uber expressed “surprise and disappointment” at the DOJ’s decision to file the suit, saying the company had been working with the Justice Department to address its concerns about the policy. 

“Wait time fees are charged to all riders to compensate drivers after two minutes of waiting, but were never intended for riders who are ready at their designated pickup location, but need more time to get into the car,” an Uber spokesperson said. The penalty fee amounts to less than 60 cents, according to the company.

Uber also states that it has been refunding wait time fees incurred by disabled clients who have subsequently notified them about the charges. The company last week announced that it had revised the policy to “automatically” waive the fees for “any rider who certifies they are disabled.”

“People with disabilities deserve equal access to all areas of community life, including the private transportation services provided by companies like Uber,” said Clarke.

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