Uber Agrees To Pay Up $2.2M For Penalizing Passengers With Physical Disabilities

After being sued for overcharging disabled riders, Uber has finally settled the case and agreed to pay US$2.2 million in damages. 
  
The case began in 2021 when the US Department of Justice filed a lawsuit against the car-sharing service for discriminating against disabled passengers. According to the complaint, Uber charged disabled users who needed extra time beyond the stipulated “wait time” to get into vehicles due to clear mobility issues.

The “wait time” protocol was implemented in 2016 to prevent people from taking too long to reach their driver’s car. However, there was a clear oversight when it came to passengers with physical ailments. Those who went over their allotted time due to difficulties were penalized. As a result, they pay more than other passengers.

This apparently violates Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act, which protects people from discrimination by transportation companies. 
  
Uber claims that there are no additional fees for people who select the wheelchair-accessible option or Uber Assist. 

A minimum of US$2.2 million will be paid out to passengers who believe they have been treated unjustly by Uber’s system. Over a thousand riders who have filed complaints against Uber will receive US$1.7 million, while other riders who have received unfair treatment will receive US$500,000.

As compensation, more than 65,000 customers will receive credits that double the wait time fees. A waiver was also introduced for people to receive refunds if they have been charged. 

[via Engadget and The New York Times, cover image via Mr. Whiskey / Shutterstock.com]