Vegetarian Bus Driver Sues To Get Job Back

A vegetarian bus driver sued the Orange County Transportation Authority on Monday, saying he shouldn’t have been fired for refusing to hand out free-hamburger coupons to riders.

Bruce Anderson, 38, wants his $16.60 an hour job back. He’s also seeking attorney fees, damages and compensation for lost pay.

Anderson was fired for insubordination on June 7, three days after he refused to distribute a stack of coupons for free hamburgers, part of a promotion aimed at increasing ridership.

For two years, Anderson has shunned meat, dairy products and anything made from animals, said his lawyer, Gloria Allred. His beliefs are just as valid as any religious or political beliefs, she said.

The transit authority wouldn’t comment on the lawsuit.