Lyft settles state suit over rides denied to blind rider
Lyft has reached a settlement with the Minnesota Department of Human Rights in a lawsuit alleging that its drivers repeatedly refused rides to a blind woman because of her service dog, a clear violation of disability-rights law if proven. Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid and the Minnesota Disability Law Center brought the case in 2021 on behalf of client Tori Andres, documenting at least six instances where she and her service dog, Alfred, were stranded by Lyft drivers while heading to medical appointments. The settlement terms have not yet been released; MDHR says it will outline details at an 11:30 a.m. news conference in St. Paul that FOX 9 plans to stream live. For Twin Cities residents who rely on ride-hailing to reach work, school, or the doctor — especially blind and low-vision riders — this deal will signal how aggressively the state is willing to police discrimination by gig platforms and what concrete protections and enforcement mechanisms will exist going forward.
📌 Key Facts
- Lyft has agreed to settle a Minnesota Department of Human Rights lawsuit over alleged discrimination against a blind rider with a service dog.
- Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid and the Minnesota Disability Law Center filed the case in 2021 for client Tori Andres, documenting six instances in which Lyft drivers left her and her service dog Alfred stranded en route to medical appointments.
- MDHR will announce specific settlement terms at an 11:30 a.m. news conference in St. Paul, which FOX 9 will stream live.
📊 Relevant Data
According to a 2024 study by Guide Dogs for the Blind, 85% of 185 participants with service dogs reported being denied rideshare services at some point.
Study: Rideshare drivers refusing people with guide dogs — FOX 17
Drivers may deny rides to passengers with service animals due to allergies, religious objections, or fear of dogs.
Using Rideshare Services Isn't Easy When You Have a Service Animal—That Needs to Change — Rooted in Rights
Black Americans have higher rates of vision loss and blindness caused by eye diseases compared to other racial groups.
Eye Health Among Black/African American People — National Eye Institute
The prevalence of blindness is highest among Black individuals across all age groups, with White individuals having the lowest prevalence.
Blindness Disparities Between Racial/Ethnic Groups in the State of Indiana — International Journal of Medical Students
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