AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) — A panel in Maine has ruled that Uber discriminated against a blind woman when a driver refused to give her a ride because she was traveling with her guide dog.
The Portland Press Herald reports the Maine Human Rights Commission voted Monday that Uber discriminated against Patricia Sarchi, of Falmouth, because of her visual impairment.
According to a commission report, a manicurist called Sarchi an Uber after an appointment in January 2017. The driver told Sarchi he could not give her a ride because she had her guide dog.
The ride-sharing company later charged Sarchi a $5 ride cancellation fee.
Uber argued it could not be held responsible because its drivers are independent contractors.
The company did not respond to the Press Herald’s request for comment Tuesday morning.
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