Title VI / ADA Policy

Click here to read the 2022 CTA Title VI Plan

Coast Transit Authority Title VI/ADA Statement of Policy
Effective 5/19/2022

Coast Transit Authority (CTA), a federal grant recipient, is required by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) to conform with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and its amendments.

Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 requires that no person in the United States, shall, on the grounds of race, color or national origin, be excluded from, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving federal financial assistance. Presidential Executive Order 12898 addresses environmental justice in minority and low-income populations. Presidential Executive Order 13166 addresses services to those individuals with Limited English proficiency. The rights of women, the elderly, and the disabled are protected under related statutes. These Presidential Executive Orders and the related statutes fall under the umbrella of Title VI.

Titles II and III of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 provide that no entity shall discriminate against an individual with a disability in connection with the provision of transportation service. The law sets forth specific requirements for vehicle and facility accessibility and the provision of service, including complementary paratransit service.

CTA is committed to enforcing the provisions of Title VI and the ADA Act and protecting the rights and opportunities of all persons associated with CTA or affected by its programs. This commitment includes vigorously enforcing all applicable laws and regulations that affect CTA, individuals, and those organizations, both public and private, which participate and benefit through CTA’s programs. CTA will take positive and realistic affirmative steps to ensure that all persons and/or firms wishing to participate in its programs are given an equal and equitable chance to participate. All sub-recipients and contractors are required to prevent discrimination and ensure nondiscrimination in all of their programs, activities, and services.

CTA’s Executive Director is responsible for providing leadership, direction, and policy to ensure compliance with Title VI of the 1964 Civil Rights Act and titles II and III of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Any person(s) or firm(s) who feels that they have been discriminated against is encouraged to report such violations to CTA at:

Coast Transit Authority (CTA)
333 DeBuys Road
Gulfport, MS 39507
228-896-8080
www.coasttransit.com

Title VI/ADA Complaint Procedures

This procedure outlines the Title VI and ADA complaint procedures related to providing programs, services, and benefits. It does not deny the complainant the right to file formal complaints with the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Transportation, Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), Federal Transit Administration (FTA), or to seek private counsel for complaints alleging discrimination, intimidation, or retaliation of any kind that is prohibited by law.

Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Titles II and III of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 requires that no person in the United States shall, on the grounds of disability, race, color, or national origin, be excluded from, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving federal financial assistance.

1. Any person who believes that they have been subjected to discrimination may file a written complaint with Coast Transit Authority (CTA). Complaints must be filed within 180 calendar days of the alleged incident.
2. The complainant may download the complaint form from the CTA website (www.coasttransit.com) or request the complaint form from the Executive Director. The complainant may also submit a written statement that contains all of the information identified in Section 3 a through f
3. The complaint will include the following information:
a. Name, address, and telephone number of the complainant.
b. The basis of the complaint i.e., race, color, national origin, sex, elderly or disabled.
c. The date or dates on which the alleged discriminatory event or events occurred.
d. The nature of the incident that led the complainant to feel discrimination was a factor.
e. Names, addresses, and telephone numbers of persons who may have knowledge of the event.
f. Other agencies or courts where a complaint may have been filed and a contact name.
g. Complainant’s signature and date.
h. If the complainant is unable to write a complaint, CTA staff will assist the complainant.
i. The complaint may be mailed or faxed to the following address:
Coast Transit Authority (CTA), 333 DeBuys Road, Gulfport, MS 39507
(228) 896-8081 (Fax)
j. The complaint may be sent via email to: [email protected].

3. The complainant also has the right to file a Title VI or ADA claim with the U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Transit Administration, Office of Civil Rights, Region IV. 230 Peachtree, N.W., Suite 1400, Atlanta, GA 30303, within the 180-day timeframe.
4. CTA will begin an investigation within fifteen (15) working days of receipt of a complaint.
5. CTA will contact the complainant in writing no later than thirty (30) working days after receipt of the complaint for additional information if needed to investigate the complaint. If the complainant fails to provide the requested information in a timely basis, CTA may administratively close the complaint.
6. CTA will use its best effort to complete the investigation of Title VI and ADA complaints within sixty (60) calendar days of receipt of the complaint. A written investigation report will be prepared by the investigator and sent to the complainant filing the complaint. The report shall include a summary description of the incident, findings, and recommendations for disposition.

CTA will process and investigate all complaints that meet the requirements of Title VI or ADA discrimination. If the complainant fails to provide the required information within the required timeframe, the complaint may be closed.

for persons with disabilities that are unable to access or use the Fixed Route Service. This service is provided for persons that are within a ¾ mile corridor of a Fixed Route. Access is provided on an appointment basis.

Special Services: These contracted services include programs that provide transportation for senior citizens to attend Senior Citizen Centers, grocery shopping, medical appointments and field trips, transportation for area nursing homes and transportation for persons with disabilities to attend work centers and field trips

ENGLISH TITLE VI Complaint Form 2022

SPANISH Formulario de Reclamo TÍTULO VI/ADA