Uber claims fake receipts nullify passengers’ sexual assault lawsuit

Uber is facing a class-action lawsuit from passengers alleging they were sexually assaulted by drivers and that the company failed to protect them. In a recent filing, Uber argued that more than 100 of the claims were not credible, citing fake ride receipts and a lack of proof that the trips occurred.

Passengers across the country have filed more than 2,400 lawsuits against Uber, now consolidated into a single case alleging widespread driver misconduct. A separate lawsuit with hundreds of additional sexual assault and harassment complaints is also moving forward in San Francisco.

Concerns about passenger safety are not unique to Uber. The rideshare industry as a whole has faced criticism over sexual assault and misconduct allegations, reflecting broader challenges in how these services are regulated.

Company challenges receipts in latest filing

According to Reuters, on Wednesday, Uber asked U.S. District Judge Charles Breyer to press dozens of plaintiffs in the sexual assault case for more answers. In a new court filing, the company pointed to 21 people with questionable receipts and is seeking an explanation for why their claims shouldn’t be thrown out. 

Another 90 plaintiffs, Uber says, haven’t provided receipts at all, and the company is asking the court to make them submit proof or offer reasons for why they can’t. 

The lawyers representing the plaintiffs said they’re taking Uber’s latest filing seriously and are reviewing the company’s claims. They also said it’s not unusual for survivors to lack receipts, especially when someone else ordered the ride.

Judge dismisses some claims, allows others to proceed

Earlier this month, the judge dismissed challenges to Uber’s past advertising, including slogans like “Don’t drink and drive, call an Uber.” Breyer ruled that those statements were broad and promotional, rather than promises of safety as claimed by the plaintiffs.

The court also rejected claims tied to Uber’s decision not to use a tool known as “Safe Ride Matching,” which plaintiffs argued could have reduced risk by limiting certain rider-driver pairings. Breyer ruled that those claims focused on service choices, not a defect in the app itself.

However, the judge allowed product liability claims to continue over Uber’s failure to offer a “Gender Matching” feature, an option that would let users choose drivers of the same gender. Breyer compared this to other app-based safety tools, such as parental controls, and said it could reasonably fall under product design. 

New pilot program lets women riders request women drivers

As it faces legal scrutiny over rider safety, Uber launched a new pilot feature aimed at giving women more control over their ride experience. Women riders in Los Angeles, San Francisco and Detroit will have the option to request women drivers through the app.

The feature, called “Women Preferences,” is designed to enhance comfort and safety for both riders and drivers, according to the company.