Lyft operates a ‘service animal check-in’ feature for passengers

Uber and Lyft need to do more to support passengers with disabilities, especially those who are blind or visually impaired, according to protesters who gathered outside the companies’ headquarters on October 15.

Wired spoke with protesters who shared stories about drivers passing them or refusing to bring their guide dogs. They said car companies should do more to educate drivers about accommodating visually impaired passengers, and should implement a “zero-tolerance” policy for drivers who discriminate.

A Lyft spokesperson said, “We strive to provide an inclusive and accessible platform for passengers, including those who rely on service animals.” They said the company is “working directly with human rights organizations in the community” and pointed to the “assistance animal entry feature” that should start in 2025.

The company talked about this feature earlier this month, in the profile of the new product manager, Shreya Shankar, who said that this will allow passengers to “declare that they have a service animal” (they will only have to do this once), so. the driver will be informed before the pick up.

“That way there shouldn’t be any surprises – or confusion or frustration over being fired,” Shankar said.