A recent federal lawsuit claims that a longtime employee was terminated by a public transportation organization after allegedly being treated differently because of his race and age. The complaint argues that the employee’s dismissal followed incidents in which similar conduct by younger, non-White coworkers did not result in termination.
The suit was filed by Dominic Caputo in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois on March 5, 2026, naming Pace Suburban Bus as the defendant. Caputo is represented by the Law Offices of Michael T. Smith & Associates, P.C.
According to the complaint, Caputo began working as a bus operator for Pace Suburban Bus around June 7, 2015. He states that during his employment at the Northwest Division of Pace Suburban Bus, he was one of only four White drivers among approximately 200 to 250 operators. The majority of drivers in this division were described as Black.
The central incident cited in the filing occurred on February 24, 2025. Caputo reports that while driving his route through Des Plaines, Illinois, a car stopped abruptly in front of his bus on railway tracks while the traffic light was green. Caputo alleges that the driver intentionally pumped their brakes to intimidate him while he was stuck on the tracks with passengers aboard. Fearing for safety, Caputo shouted out his window for the driver to move and admits he eventually exclaimed, “Move you son of a bitch.” After this exchange, the car moved forward and Caputo cleared the tracks.
Shortly after this event, Steve Farrell—identified as Northwest Division Manager—terminated Caputo’s employment over what is described as an isolated incident. The complaint asserts that other similarly situated non-White and younger bus operators had engaged in more hostile behavior toward members of the public without facing termination.
Caputo further alleges that Farrell had previously targeted him for differential treatment. As an example, he cites December 26, 2024—the day after Christmas—when Farrell ordered him to take a drug test without explanation. According to Caputo’s account, although standard procedure would have required testing at a clinic (which was closed due to holidays), Farrell arranged for an alternative “drive-in” tester at additional expense rather than waiting until normal operations resumed.
The legal action is brought under several statutes: Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (prohibiting discrimination based on race), Section 1981 (addressing racial discrimination in contracts), and the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA). The complaint states: “By its conduct as alleged herein, Defendant discriminated against Plaintiff on the basis of her [sic] race when it terminated his employment.” It also claims: “Defendant’s conduct toward Plaintiff illustrated a willful and/or reckless disregard of Plaintiff’s right to be free from impermissible race discrimination.”
In addition to alleging wrongful termination due to race under Title VII and Section 1981, Caputo claims age discrimination under ADEA: “By its conduct as alleged herein, Defendant discriminated against Plaintiff on the basis of his age when it terminated his employment.”
Before filing suit, Caputo submitted a Charge of Discrimination with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), which assigned charge number 440-2025-05969. In this charge he wrote: “I was treated differently in terms and conditions of employment due to my race (Caucasian), my color (White), and my age (DOB 1962). I was wrongfully terminated under the pretext of performance on March 7, 2025.”
On December 5, 2025, EEOC District Director Amrith Kaur Aakre issued a Notice of Right to Sue following more than 180 days since filing with no resolution from EEOC investigators. This allowed Caputo ninety days from receipt to file suit in federal court.
Caputo requests several forms of relief from the court including equitable or injunctive relief; actual damages; compensatory damages such as lost wages and emotional distress; punitive damages where available; liquidated damages; reasonable attorney’s fees; costs; disbursements; and any other relief deemed just by the court.
Caputo is represented by trial attorney Michael T. Smith (#6180407IL) from Law Offices of Michael T. Smith & Associates located at Lisle, Illinois. The case is identified as Case No. 1:26-cv-02505.
Source: 126cv02505_Dominic_Caputo_v_Pace_Suburban_Complaint_Northern_District_of_Illinois.pdf
