Former Head Of DATA Bus System Files Discrimination Lawsuit

DURHAM, N.C. — The former head of Durham's DATA bus system claims he was fired because he is white and he would not sacrifice safety.

Tom Hartley filed a wrongful discrimination lawsuit against MV Transportation, the company that operates the system. He claims he was fired because he refused to make cost-cutting measures that affect safety.

Hartley also claims council member Cora Cole-McFadden told Mayor Bill Bell the city should hire a black general manager.

Bell told WRAL that the allegation is false.