Al Roker files race discrimination complaint against NYC cab company

The New York City Taxi & Limousine Commission says the driver who allegedly passed up African-American "Today" weather anchor Al Roker in favor of a Caucasian-appearing passenger has been found guilty of such actions before.

TLC spokesman Allan Fromberg told Newsday Monday that driver Mahabur MD Rahman, who has worked since July 2014 and was fined $200 for refusing service in May 2015, has been offered "a plea to the service refusal and a $500 fine," down from the standard $700 to $1,000 for a second refusal within 24 months.

"If he does not accept the offer and this goes to a hearing," the spokesman continued, "he faces penalties, if convicted, for both the Service Refusal and an Action Against the Public Interest," the latter of which carries a penalty of $150 to $350 at the discretion of an administrative law judge. A 30-day license suspension can also be levied.

"We're grateful to Mr. Roker for reporting this to us so that we could take the appropriate action," the spokesman said. "His cooperation was very helpful in our process, and, of course, he was every bit as gracious as you would expect him to be."

The Queens-born Roker, 61, tweeted Saturday he had filed a complaint "after getting passed up again by a NYC Yellow cab" at an unspecified location. "Cabbie picked up a white guy a block away. Wonder why Uber wins?"

He went on to write, "This happens to folks of color every day. And while most cabbies do their job, there are those ignorant, racist ones who hurt the others. What really hurts, my 13 yr. old boy was with me and asked why the cabbie passed us. I said, 'Nick, ignorant people make dumb choices.' Hopefully . . . [the TLC] weeds out the bad apples. Looking forward to a hearing and dealing with this. I will keep you posted."

"I appreciate the TLC's prompt attention to his matter and look forward to a proper resolution," Roker said in a statement to Newsday.

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