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 she or he has been discriminated against on the basis of race, color, or national origin by RIPTA may file a Title VI complaint with RIPTA or directly with the U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Transit Administration (FTA).
Filing a Complaint With RIPTA
Title VI complaints may be filed by submitting a completed Title VI Complaint Form to RIPTA’s Compliance Officer.
The Title VI Complaint Form may be downloaded in the following languages:
Title VI Complaint Forms may be also obtained by calling (401) 781-9400.
RIPTA shall provide appropriate assistance to complainants who are limited in their ability to communicate in English. Completed forms should be mailed to:
Compliance Officer
Rhode Island Public Transit Authority
705 Elmwood Avenue
Providence, RI 02907
RIPTA investigates complaints received no more than 180 days after the alleged incident. RIPTA will process complaints that are complete. Once the complaint is received, the complainant will receive an acknowledgement letter informing her/him whether the complaint will be investigated. If more information is needed to resolve the case, RIPTA may contact the complainant. If the RIPTA investigator is not contacted by the complainant or does not receive the additional information within 10 business days, RIPTA may administratively close the case. A case may also be administratively closed if the complainant notifies RIPTA that they no longer wish to pursue their case.
Once the investigation is complete, RIPTA shall issue a letter to the complainant with the findings of the investigation and whether or not a Title VI violation was found. If the complainant is not satisfied with the findings, a complaint may be filed directly with the FTA, as described below.
Filing a Complaint Directly to the U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Transit Administration (FTA)
A complainant may file a Title VI complaint directly with the FTA by contacting the Department at:
U.S. Department of Transportation
Federal Transit Administration Office of Civil Rights
1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
Washington, DC 20590
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 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. In support and compliance with the goals set forth in the Department of Transportation’s Policy Guidance Concerning Recipient’s Responsibilities to Limited English Proficient (LEP) Persons, RIPTA developed a Language 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. Please email jwilliford@ripta.com with your suggestions.
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