Amazon says these areas of Washington, DC, are too dangerous for Prime delivery [View all]

[Jk23]

The e-commerce giant faces a lawsuit from the District’s attorney general, alleging that Prime members in two zip codes aren’t receiving promised benefits.

Since mid-2022, Amazon has allegedly violated a Washington, D.C., consumer protection law by withholding benefits from Prime members in two zip codes, according to a civil lawsuit, citing “undisclosed internal policies,” that was filed Wednesday by the district’s attorney general.

Noting that Prime members pay $139 per year or $14.99 per month, the lawsuit states that Amazon “deliberately — and secretly — stopped providing its fastest delivery service to the nearly 50,000 Prime members who live in historically underserved communities east of the Anacostia River,” per court filings.

In an emailed statement, Amazon spokesperson Kelly Nantel called the claims “categorically false,” adding that the company “made the deliberate choice to adjust our operations, including delivery routes and times, for the sole reason of protecting the safety of drivers. And we’re always transparent with customers during the shopping journey and checkout process about when, exactly, they can expect their orders to arrive. What we’d like to do, and have offered, is to work together with the Attorney General and their office in an effort to reduce crime and improve safety in these areas.”

https://www.retaildive.com/news/amazon-washington-dangerous-prime-delivery/734555/

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I don't think Amazon should offer Prime in areas where they are forced to use third party delivery services due to safety concerns. (Or at least offer a discounted Prime that does not include delivery).

But if there are significant safety issues for thier employees I think that has to take precedent over the DA's concerns. I do recall a similar issue years ago with pizza delivery services redlining neighborhoods. I am curious where people land on this?