Title
Approval of the Regional Transit System (RTS) Title VI Program (B)
This item is a request to approve the RTS Title VI Program and its subsequent submission to the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) for final review and approval.
Explanation
Triennially, recipients of Federal Transit Administration (FTA) financial assistance must demonstrate that the appropriate governing entity has reviewed and approved their Title VI program. Title VI is a federal statute that provides that no person 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. The requirements for each recipient are dependent on whether they are a state entity, Metropolitan Planning Organization, or transit provider. RTS must meet the requirements of transit providers that are located in an Urbanized Area of less than 200,000 people.
The costs for the Title VI program are largely dependent on the extent to which RTS must provide translation services to the general public. Historically, this has been minimal and the most frequently requested language, Spanish, has been and can continue to be handled internally. Recent United States Census data, however, obligates RTS to provide similar services to Chinese individuals as well.
Fiscal Note
RTS estimates translation services at $400 for printed material, $75-$150 for written/in-person translation services, and $1.50 a minute for phone translation services. Funding for this program is available in the RTS FY13/14 operating budget.
Recommendation
The City Commission approve the Regional Transit System (RTS) Title VI program.
Alternative Recommendation
The City Commission continue to work with the City of Gainesville Equal Opportunity Office for an acceptable alternative program.