Title
City of Gainesville Regional Transit System (RTS) Title VI Plan Update (B)
This item is a request for the City Commission to review and approve the updated Title VI Plan 2022-2025.
Explanation
Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, or national origin in programs and activities receiving Federal financial assistance. Specifically, Title VI 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” (42 U.S.C Section 2000d).
The Civil Rights Restoration Act of 1987 clarified the intent of Title VI to include all programs and activities of Federal-aid recipients, sub-recipients, and contractors whether those programs and activities are federally funded or not. Moreover, the Federal Transit Administration (“FTA”) has placed renewed emphasis on Title VI issues, including providing meaningful access to persons with Limited English Proficiency (“LEP”).
Recipients of public transportation funding from FTA and the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) are required to develop policies, programs, and practices that ensure federal transit dollars are used in a manner that is nondiscriminatory, as required under Title VI. The Regional Transit System, as a recipient of FTA funds, is required to update and submit a Title VI plan every three years in order to qualify for continued FTA assistance. The last report was submitted in 2019.
A copy of RTS Title VI 2022-2025 Plan is included in the back-up.
Strategic Connection: The Regional Transit System network provides transportation access to many services within our community and supports all five goals in the City’s strategic plan including Equitable Community, A More Sustainable Community, a Great Place to live and Experience, a Resilient Local Economy, and “Best in Class” Neighbor Services.
Fiscal Note
There is no fiscal impact associated with this item, however it is required to maintain eligibility for continued FTA assistance in the future.
Recommendation
The City Commission review and approve the updated City of Gainesville Regional Transit System (RTS) Title VI 2022-2025 Plan.