City Council
Report
City Council Meeting: October 25, 2022
Agenda Item: 5.I
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To: Mayor and City Council
From: Edward F King, Director, Department of Transportation, Finance & Administrative Services
Subject: Adoption of the Big Blue Bus Title VI Program
Recommended Action
Staff recommends that the City Council adopt the proposed Big Blue Bus (BBB) Title VI Program so that the Santa Monica Department of Transportation remains eligible for federal grant funds. Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 protects people from discrimination based on race, color, and national origin to ensure that individuals are not excluded from participation in, denied benefits of, or subjected to discrimination under any program and activity receiving federal financial assistance.
Executive Summary
The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) requires the governing body of a transit agency to adopt its Title VI Program to be eligible for federal grant funds. The Title VI Program ensures that the level and quality of public transportation service is provided in a nondiscriminatory manner, promoting full and fair participation in public transportation decision-making without regard to race, color, or national origin, and provides meaningful access to transit-related programs and activities by persons with limited English proficiency. Department of Transportation, Big Blue Bus’ (BBB’s) Title VI Program has been updated to include the latest fare equity analysis conducted for the completed cashless pilot program executed in Fiscal Year 2021-22.
Discussion
Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 protects people from discrimination based on race, color, and national origin to ensure that individuals are not excluded from 2 of 2
participation in, denied benefits of, or subjected to discrimination under any program and activity receiving federal financial assistance. The FTA requires the governing body of a transit agency to adopt its Title VI Program every three years to be eligible for federal grant funds.
New in this update is the fare equity analysis performed as part of the BBB’s cashless pilot program that was completed in June 2022.
Past Council Actions
Meeting Date Description
01/09/18 (Attachment A) Adoption of Big Blue Bus Resolution for Transit Funds Financial Impacts and Budget Actions
There is no immediate financial impact or budget action necessary as a result of the recommended action. Adopting the proposed Title VI program allows BBB to meet federal requirements and remain eligible for federal funding. BBB receives approximately $10 million annually in federal financial assistance.
Prepared By: Enny Chung, Sr. Admin Analyst - Grants
Approved Forwarded to Council
Attachments:
A. Adoption of BBB Resolution for Transit Funds (Web Link) B. Big Blue Bus_Title VI Report_9.26.22 draft FINAL