The Disability Rights Advocates (DRA) non-profit legal center has filed a class action lawsuit against Uber as 99.9 per cent of its fleet is inaccessible to people with mobility disabilities in New York City.
Filed in the New York Supreme Court in Manhattan, the lawsuit claims that the ride-hailing service has violated anti-discrimination law as just 100 of Uber’s 58,000 vehicle fleet in the city offer the lifts or ramps necessary to transport people with mobility-assistive devices including wheelchairs.
The embattled company offers a service for disabled users dubbed UberWAV but the lawsuit claims it is insufficient and is asking for equal access to Uber services for those with disabilities.
“UberWAV makes up only .1% of the 58,000 vehicle fleet. It’s just window dressing designed to skirt anti-discrimination laws. Uber must not be allowed to operate in New York City in a discriminatory manner. It must ensure its convenience and benefits are available to all people equally, said DRA’s Michelle Caiola.
Speaking to Engadget about the lawsuit, Uber released a statement admitting that there is work to be done.
“Uber’s technology has expanded access to reliable transportation options for all riders, including those with disabilities and has enabled people with disabilities to earn income in new ways. While there is certainly more work to be done, we will continue advocating for a solution that offers affordable, reliable transportation to those who need a wheelchair accessible vehicle.”