Massachusetts

Martha's Vineyard Bus Driver Fired for Refusing to Pick Up Black Passenger

Martha's Vineyard Transit Authority says driver fired after refusing to pick up black man because of his race

A bus driver on Martha's Vineyard has been fired after allegedly refusing to pick up a passenger because of his race.

The Martha's Vineyard Transit Authority says the driver, whose identity has not been released, passed a black man who was trying to flag him down around 4:30 p.m. Wednesday on Beach Road in Edgartown, Massachusetts. The bus, officials say, was at capacity, but the driver had failed to switch on the marquee to show that.

The man took a ride share to Oak Bluffs, where the Route 13 bus was heading. He caught up with the bus and questioned the driver.

Transportation officials reviewed surveillance footage from the bus and determined that the driver first said the bus was full. But when the man challenged that response, the driver allegedly said "Well, it's because you are black."

Thursday, the transit authority announced that the driver had been fired.

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