Case: DOJ Investigation of Lyft, Inc.

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Case Summary

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 initiat…

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)

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Docket

Last updated Aug. 30, 2023, 1:49 p.m.

Docket sheet not available via the Clearinghouse.

Case Details

State / Territory: California

Case Type(s):

Disability Rights

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):

Transportation

Case Details

Causes of Action:

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), 42 U.S.C. §§ 12111 et seq.

Available Documents:

Monetary Relief

Injunctive (or Injunctive-like) Relief

Outcome

Prevailing Party: Plaintiff

Nature of Relief:

Injunction / Injunctive-like Settlement

Damages

Source of Relief:

Settlement

Form of Settlement:

Private Settlement Agreement

Amount Defendant Pays: $82,000

Content of Injunction:

Reasonable Accommodation

Discrimination Prohibition

Provide antidiscrimination training

Implement complaint/dispute resolution process

Reporting

Issues

General:

Transportation

Disability and Disability Rights:

Mobility impairment

Discrimination-basis:

Disability (inc. reasonable accommodations)