The United States Department of Justice has sued ride-hailing company Lyft over allegations that it discriminates against passengers with disabilities by routinely refusing to provide them with rides.
The department alleged that Lyft and its drivers frequently deny services to blind passengers travelling with guide dogs and individuals who use foldable wheelchairs.
The 36-page complaint was filed on November 9 in a federal court in Northern California.
It accuses the company of violating Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act, which prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities.
According to the department, it is seeking $53m in compensation for individuals who lodged complaints with Lyft or the Justice Department, Reuters and the Associated Press reported.
“Individuals with disabilities should be able to rely on rideshare services free of discrimination,” said Jesus A. Osete, the acting assistant attorney general for civil rights, in the statement.
Lyft denied the allegations, stating that it had cooperated with the Justice Department throughout its investigation.
“We have long-standing policies requiring drivers to accommodate riders who travel with service animals or use foldable mobility devices, and drivers who violate these policies face serious consequences, including permanent deactivation,” Lyft said in a statement.
The Justice Department said Lyft receives thousands of complaints annually alleging discrimination against passengers with disabilities. It alleged that the company denies rides to “hundreds, and likely thousands” of people travelling with service animals or mobility devices.
The complaint identifies 14 riders from across the United States who allegedly experienced discrimination. Several said drivers refused to pick them up, with some reportedly shouting “no dog” before driving away.
In other cases, drivers allegedly asked passengers to book Lyft Pet, a service that attracts an additional $4 fee for travelling with pets, apparently confusing service animals with ordinary pets.
The complaint also cited incidents involving Judge David Tatel, who is blind and uses a guide dog. In 2023, a Lyft driver allegedly shouted at him and his wife to leave the vehicle because of the guide dog.
In September 2026, another driver reportedly locked the car doors and drove away, according to the complaint
