Massachusetts to investigate how Uber and Lyft cater to the disabled
The Massachusetts attorney general’s office has launched an examination into how Uber and Lyft cater to people with disabilities, potentially giving both companies yet further regulatory headaches. The examination will focus on whether the companies properly cater to people with disabilities, be they physical, visual or hearing related, a spokesman for the AG’s office said on Friday. It will look at the companies’ apps as well as their vehicles, including whether they provide cars that are wheelchair accessible.
Ridesharing outfits make some effort to accommodate disabled passengers, but Massachusetts isn't sure that they go far enough. Reuters has learned that the state's Attorney General is grilling Uber and Lyft over the levels of disability access they provide. There aren't any official actions under way, but this is the first time that any US attorney general's office has given accessibility a look. That's bound to make the two companies nervous when both of them are facing lawsuits over their support for guide dogs and wheelchairs.

For its part, Uber says it both talks to lawmakers about accessibility and has a team "dedicated" to improving access. If Massachusetts presses for changes, there's a real chance that it'll get at least some concessions rather than face a legal battle. With that said, ridesharing companies have historically resisted measures that potentially hike their costs -- we wouldn't rule out some pushback if they believe the state is taking things too far.

[Image credit: AP Photo/Jeff Chiu]