San Francisco-Based Company Agrees to Pay $50,000, Make Changes to Ensure Accessibility for Passengers with Disabilities
Chariot Transit Inc., a private transportation company with its principal place of business in San Francisco, has entered a landmark settlement agreement with the United States Attorney’s Office to resolve allegations that the company violated Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) by discriminating against customers with disabilities.
According to the agreement, Chariot Transit Inc. will pay a $50,000 civil penalty to the United States and take numerous steps to ensure that it provides equivalent service to individuals with disabilities.
The investigation by the United States determined that from July 2015 to November 2016, Chariot Transit Inc. may have violated the ADA by leasing at least 161 new 14-passenger vehicles for use in its services in the San Francisco Bay Area and Austin, none of which were readily accessible to and usable by individuals with disabilities, including individuals who use wheelchairs.
“Passengers with disabilities are entitled to equal access to the innovative forms of transportation available in today’s market,” said United States Attorney Brian J. Stretch. “With this agreement, Chariot has pledged its commitment to ensure individuals who use wheelchairs receive the same service as other passengers.”
Pursuant to the settlement, Chariot Transit Inc. will operate sufficient readily accessible vehicles in each market to ensure individuals with disabilities receive equivalent service, not require passengers with disabilities to book a Chariot trip differently from any other passenger, ensure the Chariot smartphone application requests all relevant information from passengers, and conduct ADA training for employees.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Erica Blachman Hitchings is handling the matter on behalf of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of California.
Chariot Transit Inc. is a private transportation company with its principal place of business in San Francisco, providing private commuter transportation services in the San Francisco Bay Area, New York City, and Austin, Texas.
Defendant: Chariot Transit Inc.
Criminal Charges: Violation of Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) by discriminating against customers with disabilities.
City and State: San Francisco, California
Exact Date: July 2015 to November 2016
Sentence or Outcome: Chariot Transit Inc. agreed to pay a $50,000 civil penalty and make changes to ensure accessibility for passengers with disabilities.
Dollar Amount: $50,000
Key Facts
- State: California
- Category: White Collar Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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