Core Viewpoint - The US Justice Department has filed a lawsuit against Uber Technologies Inc. for allegedly discriminating against individuals with physical disabilities, claiming violations of federal law regarding service animals and stowable wheelchairs [1][2]. Group 1: Legal Issues - The lawsuit alleges that Uber drivers routinely refuse to accommodate passengers with service animals or those using stowable wheelchairs [1]. - This is not the first time Uber has faced legal action regarding disability rights; in 2021, the company settled with the Justice Department for over $2 million due to similar allegations [2]. - The current case is titled United States of America v. Uber Technologies Inc., filed in the US District Court for the Northern District of California [5]. Group 2: Company Response - An Uber spokesperson stated that riders using guide dogs or assistive devices deserve a respectful experience and emphasized the company's zero-tolerance policy for service denials [3]. - Uber claims that all drivers must comply with the company's service animal policy and applicable accessibility laws before using the driver app [3]. - Despite the introduction of an optional self-identification feature for riders traveling with service animals, the Justice Department asserts that discrimination has continued [4]. Group 3: Market Reaction - Following the announcement of the lawsuit, Uber's shares saw a slight increase, trading 0.7% higher shortly after the news broke [4].

Core Viewpoint - The U.S. Department of Justice has filed a lawsuit against Uber Technologies, accusing the company of violating the Americans with Disabilities Act by discriminating against passengers with disabilities, including those with service animals and mobility impairments [1][7]. Summary by Relevant Sections Allegations Against Uber - Uber drivers are accused of routinely refusing service to riders with disabilities, including those who travel with service animals or use stowable wheelchairs [1][7]. - The lawsuit claims that Uber and its drivers illegally charge cleaning fees for service animals and cancellation fees to riders denied service [1][7]. - Some drivers allegedly insult and demean individuals with disabilities and refuse reasonable requests, such as allowing mobility-impaired passengers to sit in the front seat [2][7]. Impact on Individuals - The discriminatory conduct of Uber has reportedly caused significant economic, emotional, and physical harm to individuals with disabilities [2][7]. - The complaint details the mistreatment of 17 individuals, including a 7-year-old amputee who was denied a ride home and a Gulf War veteran with a service dog who missed a flight due to being denied service [4][8]. Legal Actions and Company Response - The lawsuit seeks an injunction to prevent further violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act, as well as upgrades to Uber's practices and training, monetary damages, and a civil fine [5][8]. - Uber has publicly disagreed with the allegations, stating its commitment to expanding access and improving the experience for riders with disabilities, emphasizing a zero-tolerance policy for confirmed service denials [3][7]. Market Reaction - Following the news of the lawsuit, Uber shares experienced a slight increase of 0.7% in late afternoon trading [5].

Core Viewpoint - The U.S. Justice Department has filed a lawsuit against Uber for allegedly discriminating against individuals with physical disabilities, violating the Americans with Disabilities Act [1][2]. Group 1: Allegations Against Uber - The DOJ claims that Uber and its drivers routinely refuse service to individuals with disabilities, including those with service animals or stowable wheelchairs [1]. - Uber is accused of imposing extra fees on riders needing special accommodations, including cancellation fees when service is denied [1]. - The DOJ argues that Uber's actions have caused significant economic, emotional, and physical harm to individuals with disabilities [2]. Group 2: Previous Legal Issues - Uber has faced long-standing accusations of discrimination against people with physical disabilities, including a lawsuit in 2021 for overcharging disabled passengers [4]. - In 2022, Uber reached a settlement with the DOJ, paying millions to over 65,000 affected users [4]. - The company has also been subject to personal lawsuits from passengers alleging similar discrimination and has faced public protests [4]. Group 3: Recent Developments - The DOJ filed the complaint in federal court in California's Northern District and had previously alerted Uber in 2024 about the investigation into its treatment of disabled riders [7]. - Following the notification, Uber introduced a feature allowing passengers to self-identify if they are traveling with service animals [7].