The Justice Department filed a lawsuit against Uber Technologies Inc. for discriminating against passengers with disabilities, including those who use service animals and mobility devices such as stowable wheelchairs. Uber is the largest provider of ride-hailing services in the United States. The lawsuit seeks $125 million for individuals who have been subject to discrimination
If a wheelchair is non-stowable (I assume it means not able to fold?), then why is a taxi different? Or are you referring to the large taxi cabs?
In our city the taxi companies are required to have a certain percentage of accessible cabs to meet the ADA. It’s led to them having even more, as they realized how good they are for carrying luggage as well. I’m talking minivans with ramps, lowered floors, and tiedowns, so the person can ride in their wheelchair. Some don’t kneel, so the ramp is steep from the ground, but they’re fine at curbs. We’re fortunate enough to have a nice one of our own, but for a trip to the airport, or in case of a breakdown, or going somewhere with terrible parking they’re good.
That’s really nice then. I’m wondering if that’s why I rarely see any regular taxis. 90% of the ones I spot are the ones that are in between an SUV and minivan.
Accommodation requests have to be reasonable. If the wheelchair won’t physically fit in the car then you can’t force the driver to drive an accessible vehicle at all times. That would be unreadonable. Though they can’t deny rides to people if the wheelchair could fit in the trunk or whatever.
I don’t think the commenter wanted drivers to let people squeeze their wheelchairs into their tiny cars, rather that taxis are convenient because they can probably specifically request one that accommodates them. I’m guessing Uber doesn’t let you do that, but I somewhat certain Lyft let’s you notify potential drivers that you are wheelchair-bound in case their car cannot fit you.