Uber sues US for charging a “waiting time” fee for the disabled | Business and Economic News

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The administration of U.S. President Joe Biden says Uber did not make “reasonable changes” and guarantee “equal fares” for passengers with a disability.
Who Bloomberg
Posted on November 10, 2021
Uber Technologies Inc. he was sued by the Biden administration for charging passengers with a disability a “waiting time” fee and for allegedly refusing their return requests because they felt like “second-class” citizens.
Uber’s failure to make “reasonable changes” to its waiting time quota policy and guaranteeing “equal prices” for passengers with a disability that requires more time to board vehicles is discriminatory under the Americans with Disabilities Act, according to a complaint filed Wednesday. Federal Court of Francis.
The Justice Department is urging the court to block Uber’s policy and seek compensation from passengers, including the emotional distress it suffered, as well as civil punishment.
“Wait-time fees are charged to all drivers after waiting two minutes to compensate drivers, but they were never intended for drivers who are ready but need more time to get in the car,” said Uber spokesman Matt Kallman. an email. “We recognize that many cyclists with a disability are dependent on Uber for their transportation needs, which is why we were in active discussions with the DOJ to find out how to resolve any concerns or confusion prior to this startling and disappointing lawsuit.”
In her complaint, the government cited the experience of two disabled passengers, including a 52-year-old quadriplegic woman who traveled from her apartment in Louisville, Kentucky, based in Uber, to a five-block rehabilitation facility. An unidentified woman was told by a Uber representative that nothing could be done when she asked for a refund of the time fees, according to the complaint.
“Uber’s refusal to return its money or change its waiting-time quota policy makes Passenger A feel like a second-class citizen,” the government said.
Similarly, a 34-year-old man with cerebral palsy was “angry, frustrated and upset” when he saw that Uber was charging him for his disability and initially refused to return requests, according to the complaint.
Uber said in a statement that it recently updated to automatically allow rates to any cyclist who makes sure their app is disabled.
Uber’s rides business declined as Covid-19 locks kept people at home and distorted demand. The vehicle-sharing sector has declined significantly as Covid-19 conditions have improved and vaccination rates have risen. Uber reported that bookings rose 67% in the third quarter from a year earlier.
Uber Technologies, Inc., 3: 21-cv-08735, is the case against the United States in the Northern District of California (San Francisco).
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