Justice Department Sues Lyft for $53 Million Over Disability Discrimination
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Nov 10
Justice Department Sues Lyft for $53 Million Over Disability Discrimination
3 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Nov 10
Summary
$53 million in damages is what the Justice Department seeks in a lawsuit accusing Lyft of routinely denying rides to passengers with disabilities.
The complaint says Lyft and its drivers refused riders using stowable wheelchairs or service animals, then sometimes imposed cancellation fees, higher fares and unnecessary surcharges.
Filed in federal court in Northern California, the suit also alleges Lyft failed to change policies and adequately train drivers and customer service staff, affecting hundreds and likely thousands of people.
Lyft said it disagrees with the allegations, citing longstanding accommodation rules and permanent deactivation for drivers who violate them.
The case extends a broader DOJ push on ride-hailing accessibility after a similar 2025 suit against Uber seeking $125 million and Lyft's 2020 settlement over wheelchair and walker denials.