Rideshare Service Under Fire Over Alleged Discrimination Against Obese Passenger
A Melbourne man, who relies on rideshare services due to his mobility issues, has accused Uber drivers of repeatedly refusing him rides because of his size.
Martin, who lives on a disability pension, claims he has experienced a “gut-wrenching feeling” of being judged and rejected by drivers, leading to feelings of being “less than a human being.”
Background
Martin, who is morbidly obese, relies on Uber to visit his elderly parents, whom he cares for.
However, he alleges that drivers have consistently cancelled his rides upon seeing his size.
Official Response
In response to Martin’s allegations, Uber stated that it has a “zero tolerance policy towards any form of discrimination.”
The company’s community guidelines explicitly prohibit discrimination, and it claims to provide training to drivers on these standards.
However, Martin expressed dissatisfaction with Uber’s response, suggesting that the company’s promises of training and accountability have not translated into tangible action.
Implications
Martin’s experiences have raised concerns about the treatment of people with disabilities and the measures rideshare services take to ensure equal access for all users.
The incident highlights the need for greater accountability and stricter enforcement of anti-discrimination policies within the rideshare industry.