As the rise of Uber has begun to transform the transportation services industry, what has become clear is that for all of the support that the newcomer has garnered from a segment of the riding public, it has totally ignored the needs of the disabled. Uber has done so by claiming, against all evidence, that it is a technology company and not a Transportation Network Company-the generic name for most taxi and other car pick up services.
In response to Uber’s blatant disregard for the rights of the disabled-and its flouting of the American with Disabilities Act-a new group has been formed, New Yorkers for Equal Transportation Access (NYETA), to make sure that Uber conforms to the laws and regulations that every other Transportation Network Company must adhere to. No technological sleight of hand should allow this darling of Wall Street hedge funds to place itself outside of the law.
As NYETA spokesperson, Brad Gerstman points out;
“There is a reason why Uber is being sued all over the country. In jurisdictions across this country, disabled folks are being humiliated by Uber drivers-denied service because of their disability. That a company whose valuation has been estimated to exceed $50 billion feels it can treat the disabled as second class citizens underscore the arrogance and the greed of Uber and its high roller investors.”
Read more About NYETA…
For Press Inquiries Contact Brad Gerstman at (516) 880-8170 or bgerstman@gothamgr.com
Check us out on Twitter and Facebook
Latest News:
New York Slant: Don’t Give Uber A License To Discriminate
From New York Slant: In 2014, federal Judge George B. Daniels signed off on an agreement to make New York City’s yellow taxi fleet wheelchair-accessible by 2020, calling it “one of the most significant acts of [...]
Wired: Uber’s Business Isn’t Built to Help Disabled People
From Wired: NADINA LASPINA IS looking up from under her wide-brimmed hat at the heavy grey rain clouds overhead, watching the blazing July sun play peekaboo behind them, and worrying about whether she’s dressed appropriately [...]
Wired: Uber and Lyft Drivers Work Dangerous Jobs—But They’re on Their Own
From Wired: HARRY CAMPBELL WAS driving a man home one night when, upon stopping at a light, the passenger stripped off all of his clothes, ran naked around the car, and then got back in as [...]
Inc: Uber Has Its Own 911 Line–but It’s a Secret
From Inc: Facing ongoing passenger-safety concerns, the company has been testing its own version of 911 since October--without telling riders or drivers. Among the many criticisms Uber faces is a persistent allegation that the company does [...]
BuzzFeed: Uber Riders Say They Were Charged Massive Cleaning Fees For Messes They Never Made
From BuzzFeed: Uber customers are warning others to be wary of using the ride-hailing app after they say they were charged hundreds in vehicle cleaning fees for messes they claim they never made. Jordan Hunter, a [...]
WSKG News: Disability Advocates Speak Out Against Uber Expansion
In the fight against Uber expansion, taxi drivers have found allies in disability advocates across New York. Stephanie Woodward is the Director of Advocacy for the Center for Disability Rights in Rochester.
Slate: Get Home Safe
How much sexual assault is happening on ride-hailing services like Uber?