Overview

• Federal prosecutors allege Uber and its drivers routinely refuse rides to people with disabilities, including travelers with service animals and users of stowable wheelchairs.
• The complaint says riders were charged unlawful surcharges, such as cleaning fees for service animal shedding and cancellation fees after drivers denied service.
• DOJ cites failures to make reasonable modifications, including denying front‑seat access when needed for mobility devices, leading to missed appointments and riders being stranded.
• The lawsuit, filed in the Northern District of California under Title III of the ADA, seeks injunctive relief, monetary damages for affected riders and a civil penalty.
• DOJ says it warned Uber in 2024; Uber added optional service‑animal self‑identification and training materials, while the company denies the allegations and points to a zero‑tolerance policy, driver education and a 24/7 denial hotline.