Filing a discrimination complaint

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 Federal Transit Administration works to ensure nondiscriminatory transportation in support of our mission to enhance the social and economic quality of life for all Americans. The FTA Office of Civil Rights is responsible for civil rights compliance and monitoring to ensure the non-discriminatory provision of transit services.

The federal government and those receiving assistance from the federal government must take reasonable steps to ensure that persons of Limited English Proficiency (LEP) have meaningful access to the programs, services and activities of those entities.(Executive Order 13166)

Persons who do not speak English as their primary language and who have a limited ability to read, speak, write or understand English can be limited English proficient, or "LEP".

These individuals may be entitled to language assistance at no cost to them with respect to a particular type of service, benefit, or encounter.

If the department concludes that the respondent is in compliance with laws/regulations and the complainant disagrees, the complainant may, if dissatisfied, file an action with the Federal Transit Administration (FTA).