Taxi driver accused of bypassing Al Roker for racial reasons admits service refusal violation

CP35976809
FILE - In this Sunday, Jan. 10, 2016 file photo, Al Roker arrives at the HBO Golden Globes afterparty at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, Calif. A New York City taxi driver who black NBC "Today” show weatherman Roker said passed him by in favor of picking up another fare for racial reasons has pleaded guilty to a service refusal violation and has been fined. The Taxi and Limousine Commission says driver Mahabur Rahman made his plea in Dec. 2015, and was fined 00. (Photo by Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP, File)

NEW YORK, N.Y. – A New York City taxi driver who black NBC “Today” show weatherman Al Roker said passed him by in favour of picking up another fare for racial reasons has pleaded guilty to a service refusal violation and has been fined.

The Taxi and Limousine Commission says driver Mahabur Rahman made his plea last month and was fined $500.

Roker had filed a complaint in November and wrote on social media he and his son had been ignored for racial reasons. He said the driver picked up a white man a block away.

The commission says it was the driver’s second refusal violation. The driver hung up a phone Monday when called for comment.

The TLC says Roker was notified of the outcome. NBC hasn’t answered an email seeking comment.

News from © The Associated Press, . All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Join the Conversation!

Want to share your thoughts, add context, or connect with others in your community?

Create a free account

The Associated Press

The Associated Press is an independent global news organization dedicated to factual reporting. Founded in 1846, AP today remains the most trusted source of fast, accurate, unbiased news in all formats and the essential provider of the technology and services vital to the news business. More than half the world’s population sees AP journalism every day.

Related Articles