New York City

Actor Danny Glover complained that five taxis refused to stop for him because he is black. The accusation attracted national attention and so started Operation Refusal which proceeded to suspend or revoke more than 500 cab driver's licenses without having been granted hearings to prove bias toward passengers. From late 1999 through early 2002, the Taxi and Limousine Commission penalized cabbies under Operation Refusal. A class action lawsuit was filed against the city who has agreed to pay a $7 million settlement. Drivers will receive $121.50 each for every day their licenses were suspended. About 100 drivers, whose licenses were revoked after the suspensions, will each receive an additional $26,000, and can apply for new licenses. (Mar-08-06) [CENTRE DAILY]