Uber settlement protects travel with your guide dog
Its proposed changes would prevent drivers from kicking out passengers with service animals.
Uber has made some effort to accommodate passengers with special needs, but it certainly hasn't been perfect: in 2014, the National Federation of the Blind's California branch sued Uber for denying rides to poor-sighted passengers with guide dogs and other service animals. However, it might soon make amends. The ridesharing company has proposed a settlement in that lawsuit that would protect your ability to take service animals with you on trips. Drivers would get in-app pop-ups and emails reminding them of their duty to carry your companion, and there would be a formal policy that bans drivers if they're caught rejecting passengers with animal helpers.
The settlement won't do much damage to Uber's bottom line if it's approved -- the company will pay just $225,000 over the space of 3 years. With that said, it could do a lot to protect passengers. Even if drivers aren't immediately aware of their obligations, you'll have direct recourse if they ever threaten to cancel your trip.
