Title VI Program Update
The Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) is updating its Title VI Program, including its Service & Fare Equity (SAFE) analysis policies. Below, for your review, is the proposed policy with any updated language marked in red. There is also PowerPoint presentation which provides an overview of RIPTA’s Title VI program and SAFE policies.
In summary: The goal of the update is to be more specific about when service changes rise to the level of requiring a Title VI review. Title VI provisions help ensure that any service changes do not unfairly impact low-income populations or groups identified by race, color, or national origin. In the updated policy, RIPTA is now clarifying and giving examples of the formulas it uses to calculate when a service change is ‘major,’ and therefore subject to a Title VI review.
In the section on determining whether a service change might create a disproportionate burden on low-income residents, RIPTA has added a table listing routes in our system that have a high percentage of low-income riders. We had previously provided a similar table in the section pertaining to minority populations, and we continue to include that as well.
Also, please note that for the purposes of our Title VI policy, the definition of “low income” has not changed: It is a person whose median household income is at or below the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) poverty guidelines. The current HHS guidelines can be found here at https://bit.ly/37oEleF.
Current Policies and Proposed Revisions
Title VI and SAFE Analysis Policy Update Presentation
Please share your comments and questions no later than January 4, 2021. All comments and questions should be directed to ComplianceOfficer@ripta.com.
RIPTA’s Commitment to Civil Rights – Title VI
The Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) is committed to ensuring that no person is excluded from participation in or denied the benefits of its services on the basis of race, color or national origin, as provided by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended.
Toward this end, it is RIPTA’s objective to:
- Ensure that the level and quality of transportation service is provided without regard to race, color or national origin;
- Identify and address, as appropriate, disproportionately high and adverse human health and environmental effects, including social and economic effects of programs and activities on minority populations and low-income populations;
- Promote the full and fair participation of all affected populations in transportation decision making;
- Prevent the denial, reduction or delay in benefits related to programs and activities that benefit minority populations or low-income populations; and
- Ensure meaningful access to programs and activities by persons with limited English proficiency (LEP).
The CEO, senior management, and all supervisors and employees share the responsibility for carrying out RIPTA’s commitment to Title VI.
What should you do if you have a complaint?
Any person who believes that he or she has been subjected to discrimination under Title VI on the basis of race, color or national origin may file a Title VI complaint with RIPTA within 180 days from the date of the alleged discrimination. Complaints may either be filed with RIPTA or with the U.S. Department of Transportation.
Filing a Complaint With RIPTA
Complaints may be filed with RIPTA in writing and may be addressed to:
Compliance Officer
Rhode Island Public Transit Authority
705 Elmwood Avenue
Providence, RI 02907
You can download a copy of the Title VI Complaint Form in the following languages:
Or you can obtain a copy of the Title VI Complaint Form by calling (401) 781-9400.
RIPTA will provide appropriate assistance to complainants who are limited in their ability to communicate in English.
Filing a Complaint Directly to the U.S. Department of Transportation
A complainant may file a Title VI complaint with the U.S. Department of Transportation by contacting the Department at:
U.S. Department of Transportation
Federal Transit Administration’s Office of Civil Rights
1760 Market Street, Suite 500
Philadelphia, PA 19103-4124
Limited English Proficiency
Individuals who have a limited ability to read, write, speak or understand English are Limited English Proficient (LEP). Recipients of funding from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) must take reasonable steps to ensure meaningful access to the benefits, services, information, and other important portions of their programs and activities for individuals who are LEP. RIPTA supports the goals of the Department of Transportation – FTA Guidance and has developed a Language Assistance Plan for Limited English Proficient persons.
LIMITED ENGLISH PROFICIENCY PLAN
RIPTA Welcomes Your Feedback!
RIPTA is committed to providing safe, efficient and quality transportation services to all the communities we serve. If you have any suggestion on how we can improve on our commitment to non-discrimination, or how we can better serve the needs of customers who are not proficient in English, we would like to hear from you.