The US Justice Department has filed a lawsuit against Uber for charging “wait time” fees to passengers who need more time to enter a car because of a disability.

The Department claims that Uber’s policies of charging wait time fees based on disability have harmed many passengers throughout the US.

In April 2016, Uber began charging passengers wait time fees in a number of cities, eventually expanding the policy nationwide.

Wait time fees start two minutes after the Uber car arrives at the pickup location and are charged until the car begins its trip.

“People with disabilities deserve equal access to all areas of community life, including the private transportation services provided by companies like Uber,” said assistant attorney general Kristen Clarke for the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “This lawsuit seeks to bring Uber into compliance with the mandate of the Americans with Disabilities Act while sending a powerful message that Uber cannot penalise passengers with disabilities simply because they need more time to get into a car.

“Uber and other companies that provide transportation services must ensure equal access for all people, including those with disabilities.”

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