Uber is settling a U.S. Justice Department lawsuit that accused the company of overcharging passengers with disabilities, Engadget reports.
The report says Uber has agreed to pay at least $2.2 million (about RMB 14.828 million) to compensate riders who needed more time to access their vehicles because of their disabilities but were still charged for waiting time.
The $2.2 million settlement includes nearly $1.74 million for more than 1,000 riders who complained about the fees and $500,000 for “other aggrieved individuals.” Uber will also provide credits to more than 65,000 people who have received waivers on wait time fees, and all riders with disabilities will receive double the wait time.
IT Home has learned that Uber implemented a wait time fee in 2016 that charges riders extra if drivers wait more than two minutes after arriving at a pickup location. This rule makes people with disabilities pay more than other passengers, which the U.S. Department of Justice claims violates Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act, which prohibits transportation companies from discriminating against people with disabilities.
In a statement to Engadget, Uber said it was “pleased” with the agreement and insisted it “has been working hard” to support users and encourage customers to sign up for disabilities and get a break.
