[NFBMT] NFB Uber and Lyft Ride Testing Program

[Bruce&Joy Breslauer]

Uber and Lyft Testing Program


In an effort to resolve allegations of Uber and Lyft driver discrimination
against passengers with service animals, the National Federation of the Blind
(NFB) recently entered into landmark settlement agreements with both
rideshare companies. Terms of the agreements require Lyft and Uber to revise
their policies and procedures to include additional training for employees
and contractors, and contract termination for drivers who knowingly or
repeatedly deny rides to individuals with service animals. The agreements
also include requirements for data gathering and testing, so that the NFB can
assess Uber and Lyft's efforts to provide equal access to riders with service
animals. On May 8, the NFB will begin conducting nationwide testing to ensure
that riders with service animals are neither denied transportation nor
treated disrespectfully by Lyft and Uber. Your help here is critical.


 


How you can help:


*         Be a tester-a tester can be an NFB member or nonmember; a tester
can be an individual who uses a service animal or can be someone who travels
via Uber or Lyft with someone who has a service animal.

*         Complete the online questionnaire <https://nfb.org/rideshare-test>
-after ordering or completing a Lyft or Uber ride, testers should promptly
complete the online questionnaire <https://nfb.org/rideshare-test> . Please
remember that we are seeking feedback on both positive and negative rideshare
experiences.

*         Participate as often as you can, monthly at minimum-to best assess
whether Uber and Lyft are complying with their agreement terms, we need to
gather monthly data nationwide for the duration of the agreements. This
regular testing will help ensure NFB meets its legal obligations as per the
settlements.

*         Promote the online questionnaire  <https://nfb.org/rideshare-test>
among your friends and colleagues with service animals.

 

Important note: In addition to participating in the testing, if you do
experience discrimination, you should also complain directly to the rideshare
providers (see below). The agreements require Lyft and Uber to institute
procedures allowing passengers to submit complaints, to act on those
complaints, and to inform passengers of the action taken.

 

The NFB looks forward to partnering with you, Lyft, and Uber so that,
together, we can raise expectations and secure equal access to both
companies' convenient transportation services for all riders with service
animals.


 


For more information:


*         Read the article "Uber and Lyft Agree to Improving Service for
Riders with Service Animals
<https://nfb.org/images/nfb/publications/bm/bm17/bm1705/bm170505.htm> " in
the May 2017 Braille Monitor.

*         See our "Frequently Asked Questions <https://nfb.org/rideshare-FAQ>
."

*         Learn how to file complaints directly with the rideshare providers:

o    Uber <https://help.uber.com/h/5f3eac46-e977-44a0-873e-f1881d48f4cb> 

o    Lyft <https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B4O42mr3ytK0b3pKQzZqUGFwdGM/view>


*         Read the landmark agreements and official press releases:

o    NFB-Lyft settlement agreement and addendum
<https://nfb.org/images/nfb/documents/pdf/uber-and-lyft/final-lyft-settlement
-agreement-and-addendum.pdf> 

*  Lyft and the National Federation of the Blind Announce Comprehensive
Accessibility Improvements for Lyft Riders Who Travel with Service Animals
<https://nfb.org/lyft-and-national-federation-blind-announce-comprehensive-ac
cessibility-improvements-lyft-riders-who> 

o    NFB-Uber settlement agreement
<https://nfb.org/images/nfb/documents/pdf/uber-and-lyft/uber-settlement.pdf> 

*  Groundbreaking Settlement to End Discrimination Against Blind Uber Riders
Who Use Guide Dogs
<https://nfb.org/groundbreaking-settlement-end-discrimination-against-blind-u
ber-riders-who-use-guide-dogs> 

 

Still have questions? Contact Valerie Yingling, Legal Program Coordinator, at
(410) 659-9314 <tel:(410)%20659-9314> , extension 2440, or vyingling at nfb.org
<mailto:vyingling at nfb.org> .

C2017 All Rights Reserved - Copyright 2017 National Federation of the Blind 



Joy Breslauer, President

National Federation of the Blind of Montana 

Web Site: http://www.nfbofmt.org <http://www.nfbofmt.org/> 

 

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