Uber and Lyft need to do more to support passengers with disabilities, especially those who are visually impaired, according to protesters who gathered outside the companies' headquarters on October 15.
Wired spoke to protesters who shared stories of drivers passing them in front of them and refusing to let guide dogs ride with them. They said ride-hailing companies need to do more to educate drivers about dealing with visually impaired passengers and implement “zero tolerance” policies against discriminatory drivers. Ta.
“We strive to provide an inclusive and accessible platform for our passengers, including those who rely on service animals,” a Lyft spokesperson said. They said the company is “working directly with community advocacy groups” and also pointed to a “service animal opt-in feature” expected to be introduced by 2025.
The company mentioned the feature earlier this month in new product manager Shreya Shankar's profile, saying it would allow passengers to “declare that they have a service animal” (without having to do so). (Only once). Driver will be notified prior to pickup.
“That way there will be no surprises, no confusion or frustration from being stuck,” Shankar says.