City Council Agenda Report
March 19, 2024
TO: Honorable City Council
FROM: Jesus M. Gomez, City Manager
BY: James C. Parker, Executive Director of Regional Transportation Theresa Clark, Transit Administration Officer
SUBJECT: NORWALK TRANSIT SYSTEM TITLE VI 2024 COMPLIANCE UPDATE Background:
In keeping with United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) 49 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Section 21.9(b) and Federal Transit Administration (FTA); Norwalk Transit System (NTS) must submit a Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Title VI Program update once every three (3) years to demonstrate that all transit services and related benefits are distributed in an equitable manner.
Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 provides that “No person in the United States shall, on the grounds of race, color, or national origin, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance”.
Pursuant to FTA Circular 4702.1B – Title VI Guidelines for FTA Recipients; updates must include the following information:
1. A summary of public outreach and involvement activities undertaken since the last Title VI submission and a description of steps taken to ensure that minority and low-income people had meaningful access to these activities.
2. A copy of the agency’s plan that includes an outreach plan, for providing language assistance for minorities, and limited English proficiency populations, that was based on the Department of Transportation (DOT) Limited English Proficiency (LEP) Guidance.
3. NTS complaint procedures and guidelines for filing Title VI complaints.
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Title VI 2024 Compliance Update
March 19, 2024
Page No. 2
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1 4. A list of any public transportation related Title VI investigations, complaints, or lawsuits filed with the agency since the time of the last submission.
5. A copy of the agency’s Tittle VI notice to the public that indicates the agency complies with Title VI and informs members of the public of protections against discrimination afforded to them by Title VI, as well as instructions to the public on how to file a discrimination complaint, including a copy of the complaint form.
6. Information regarding the racial breakdown of transit-related policy boards or committees.
7. An equity analysis indicating if the recipient has constructed a facility (such as a garage, maintenance facility, or operation center) since the last Title VI assessment.
8. A copy of board meeting minutes, resolution, or other appropriate documentation showing the board of directors or appropriate governing entity or official(s) responsible for policy decisions reviewed and approved the Title VI Program.
9. System-wide standards and policies that address:
a) Vehicle load
b) Vehicle headway
c) On-time performance
d) Service availability
10. Service policies that address
a) Provision of transit amenities
b) Vehicle assignment
These requirements and guidelines apply to all FTA recipients. FTA is responsible for ensuring that its recipients fully comply with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Therefore, this program renewal addresses all compliance requirements and includes needed updates to the required elements of the Title VI Program.
Fiscal Impact:
There is no impact on the General Fund. Approval of this report is needed to support the Department’s annual request for FTA Section 5307 funds to support capital projects and operating expenditures.
Citizens Advised:
The Notice of Rights under Title VI Program will be placed on the City’s website; as well as including the Notice of Rights in future NTS Rider’s Guide publications.
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Title VI 2024 Compliance Update
March 19, 2024
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1 Strategic Plan 2023 Implementation:
N/A
Recommended Action:
Staff recommends City Council approve the 2024 Title VI Program Update for submittal to Federal Transit Administration.
Attachments:
2024 Title VI Program Compliance Update