City of Lawrence

Public Transit

 

TO:

Dave Corliss, City Manager

 

FROM:

Robert A. Nugent, Public Transit Administrator

 

CC:

Diane Stoddard, Assistant City Manager

 

DATE:

September 25, 2013

 

RE:

Agenda Item: Policy Statement Approving Updated Title VI Program 2013-2015

 

 

Please place the following item on the City Commission consent agenda for consideration at their October 1, 2013 meeting:

 

Background Information:

The Lawrence Transit System (LTS) has updated its Title VI Program as required by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) and to further ensure that the level and quality of LTS fixed route and demand-response services are provided pursuant to Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. That is:

 

"No person in the United States shall, on the ground 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."(42 U.S.C. 2000d)

 

LTS, as a recipient of federal financial assistance, will ensure full compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended and related statutes and regulations in all LTS programs and activities. LTS provides, without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability:

 

  1. Transit services and benefits that are available and equitably distributed;
  2.  A level and quality of transit services that are sufficient to provide equal access and mobility for all persons;
  3. Opportunities to participate in the transit planning and decision making processes; and,
  4. Fair decisions on the location of transit services and facilities.

 

These objectives are the basis for the LTS Title VI program.

 

The attached program was updated in conformance with FTA C 4702.1B (October 1, 2012). The new guidance in this circular integrates the responsibilities to Limited English Proficient (LEP) Persons into the programs.

 

This program contains all of the elements required of a transit provider operating in an urbanized area of less than 200,000 in population and operating less than fifty vehicles in peak service. It supersedes LTS’s Title VI Program of 2010 and is effective as of October 1, 2013. It has been prepared using data from the most recent 2010 U.S. Census.

 

 

Action Request:

Staff seeks City Commission approval of the revised Title VI Program (2013-2015) and associated Policy Statement as required by the FTA.