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On June 22, 2020, the Department of Justice (DOJ) reached an out-of-court settlement agreement with Lyft, Inc., resolving allegations that the transportation company violated the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) when its drivers denied rides to individuals who used collapsible wheelchairs and walkers. The DOJ and Lyft reached the agreement after the conclusion of an investigation conducted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California (USAO) that was initiated when the DOJ received a complaint about Lyft’s practices.
The settlement agreement address allegations that, on several occasions, four complainants who either used a wheelchair or a walker were denied rides by Lyft drivers because of their disability. Prior to receiving notice of the USAO’s investigation, drivers were not required to view Lyft’s wheelchair policy, which mandated that drivers “reasonably” accommodate passengers with mobility assistance that fits inside the trunk or back seat. Further, Lyft did not have a process to educate drivers on accommodating individuals with disabilities, nor did it have a person designated to coordinate its efforts to comply with all ADA requirements.
The terms of the settlement agreement granted complainants both injunctive relief and monetary damages. Under the agreement, Lyft agreed to modify its policies to require drivers to assist individuals who use foldable or collapsible mobility devices, implement a program to educate new Lyft drivers on the policy, and periodically highlight the policy for current drivers. Lyft also agreed to ensure it has a designated coordinator for ADA compliance and to implement a procedure to field and remedy complaints from disabled Lyft users. Furthermore, Lyft agreed to report to the U.S. on the steps it takes to comply with the settlement as well as all relevant complaints it receives, their resolution, and any disability discrimination lawsuits brought against it.
Lyft further agreed to pay a total of $42,000 to the four complainants as well as pay a civil penalty of $40,000 directly to the United States. Lyft’s obligations under the agreement were to last for three years, and they will end on June 22, 2023. As of, October 20, 2022, the settlement agreement remains in place.
Summary Authors
Terry Howard (10/16/2022)
Last updated Aug. 30, 2023, 1:49 p.m.
Docket sheet not available via the Clearinghouse.State / Territory: California
Case Type(s):
Key Dates
Case Ongoing: Yes
Plaintiffs
Plaintiff Description:
The Department of Justice on behalf of private complainants
Plaintiff Type(s):
U.S. Dept of Justice plaintiff
Public Interest Lawyer: Yes
Filed Pro Se: No
Class Action Sought: No
Class Action Outcome: Not sought
Defendants
Lyft, Inc. (San Francisco, San Francisco), Private Entity/Person
Defendant Type(s):
Case Details
Causes of Action:
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), 42 U.S.C. §§ 12111 et seq.
Available Documents:
Injunctive (or Injunctive-like) Relief
Outcome
Prevailing Party: Plaintiff
Nature of Relief:
Injunction / Injunctive-like Settlement
Source of Relief:
Form of Settlement:
Amount Defendant Pays: $82,000
Content of Injunction:
Provide antidiscrimination training
Implement complaint/dispute resolution process
Issues
General:
Disability and Disability Rights:
Discrimination-basis: