The Americans with Disabilities Act says companies that serve the general public must provide equal service to the disabled. But that isn't always happening in real life -- those who need the most help to get around are getting the least help when it comes to rideshares. An East Bay viewer lost use of her legs three years ago. And while others can hop in an Uber in minutes, she's often left stranded.
Maxon needs a wheelchair to get around, so she got to the movies that afternoon in an Uber WAV, a wheelchair accessible vehicle."It kept saying, 'No vehicles available, no vehicles available,'" she said. "'Is there anything we could do? Are you OK, everybody was wondering... what's going to happen?' Never got a vehicle," Maxon said.Denver councilman forced to hoist self on debate stage due to lack of wheelchair accessibility"Trying to go to work, didn't get an Uber, missed work because I couldn't get to work," she said."If I was not in this wheelchair, and I needed a regular Uber, I'm sure it'll be no way I will have this issue.
"As a public accommodation, you can't be discriminating against this population. You should be aspiring to setting targets that are equivalent so somebody who's calling up and requesting a wheelchair access vehicle does not have to wait three hours," said Joe Castiglione of the San Francisco County Transportation Authority.