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Title VI Program and Compliance Report

Public Transportation Department Fort Bend County, Texas

December 2009

Revised March 2010

Revised March 2013

Revised March 2016

Revised March 2019

Revised March 2022

Approved by Commissioner’s Court on March 8, 2022

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Table of Contents

INTRODUCTION 1

SECTION 1. FTA GUIDANCE AND INSTRUCTIONS 4

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS 4

REQUIREMENTS FOR CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS 5

SECTION 2. OVERVIEW OF FORT BEND COUNTY 8

POPULATION DEMOGRAPHICS IN FORT BEND COUNTY 8

FORT BEND COUNTY PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION DEPARTMENT 11

SECTION 3. ACCESS TO TRANSIT FOR PERSONS WITH LIMITED ENGLISH PROFICIENCY 14

LANGUAGE SPOKEN AT HOME 14

SECTION 4. TITLE VI POLICIES AND PROCEDURES 17

TITLE VI STATEMENT OF POLICY FOR PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION 17

FILING A DISCRIMINATION COMPLAINT 18

TRACKING AND INVESTIGATING TITLE VI COMPLAINTS 19

PUBLIC NOTICE 20

SECTION 5. PUBLIC INFORMATION ABOUT TRANSIT SERVICES AND LAP PLAN . 22

SUMMARY OF CURRENT PUBLIC OUTREACH AND INVOLVEMENT 22

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION PLAN 23

ENHANCEMENTS FOR PUBLIC OUTREACH TO TITLE VI POPULATIONS 23

FOUR FACTOR ANALYSIS 24

LANGUAGE ASSISTANCE PLAN (LAP) 25

TRIENNIAL REPORTS 28

SECTION 6. SERVICES STANDARDS AND POLICIES FOR TRANSIT IN LARGE URBAN AREAS 30

REFERENCES 36

APPENDIX A – O&M FACILITY & WESTPARK PARK AND RIDE ADVANCE PLANNING REPORT 37

APPENDIX B – TITLE VI DEMOGRAPHIC ANALYSIS 85

APPENDIX C – LANGUAGE SPOKEN AT HOME IN FORT BEND COUNTY 89

APPENDIX D – TITLE VI COMPLAINT PROCEDURES AND COMPLAINT FORM 94

APPENDIX E – LETTER OF NO COMPLAINTS 103

APPENDIX F – PRESENTATIONS AND OUTREACH 105

APPENDIX G – ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP 118

APPENDIX H – FORT BEND COUNTY PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION SUBRECIPIENTS

. 121

APPENDIX I –PUBLIC PARTICIPATION PROGRAM 123

APPENDIX J –PUBLIC NOTICE 134

APPENDIX K – COMMISSIONER'S COURT MINUTES 135

LIST OF TABLES

Table 1. Population in Fort Bend County 8

Table 2. Population of Fort Bend County by Race and Ethnicity 9

Table 3. Incorporated Cities in Fort Bend County 10

Table 4. Languages Other than English Spoken at Home 14

Table 5. Limited English Households 15

INTRODUCTION‌

Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 is the federal law that protects individuals and groups from discrimination on the basis of race, color, and national origin in programs and activities that receive federal financial assistance. Title VI established a standard that outlawed discrimination in the conduct of all federal activities. Another concern was that high and adverse environmental impacts of private or governmental actions might fall disproportionately on populations protected by Title VI. With this concern in mind, Executive Order 12898 was issued in 1994 to

establish requirements for environmental justice to ensure that everyone within the U.S. receives equal protection under the law. Executive Order 12898 directed each federal agency to review its procedures and to make environmental justice part of its mission by identifying and addressing the effect of all programs, policies, and activities on minority populations.

All programs and activities of entities that receive federal financial assistance must also comply with Executive Order 13166 “Improving Access to Services for Persons with Limited English Proficiency.” All recipients of federal funds must take reasonable steps to ensure that limited English proficient (LEP) persons have meaningful access to its programs, services, and information provided. Persons who do not speak English as their primary language and have a limited ability to read, speak, write, or understand English may be considered LEP.

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) issued Title VI Regulations (49 CFR part 21) to ensure that no person is excluded from or denied the benefits of, or otherwise subjected to discrimination, on the grounds of race, color, or national origin, under any program or activity receiving federal financial assistance from the DOT. The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) is an agency within the DOT that provides financial and technical assistance to state and local public transit systems. FTA Circular 4702.1B provides recipients of FTA financial assistance with guidance and instructions necessary to carry out the DOT Title VI Regulations and to integrate into their programs and activities principles of environmental justice and access to services for persons with limited English proficiency.

The Fort Bend County Public Transportation Department is a recipient of federal funds from the FTA and must follow the guidance included in FTA Circular 4702.1B. This report serves two purposes:

1. to provide an assessment of current compliance by Fort Bend County with the requirements of Title VI pursuant to FTA Circular 4702.1B; and

2. to establish procedures for future Title VI compliance.

This document is organized into six sections following this introduction. The material covered in each section is described as follows:

• Section 1 provides an overview for the guidance and instructions in FTA Circular 4702.1B.

  
  

• Section 2 includes information about the population demographics for Fort Bend County and highlights the transit services and programs sponsored by the Fort Bend County Public Transportation Department.

• Section 3 looks more specifically at what languages other than English are spoken at home by Fort Bend County residents and gauges the extent to which these populations access transit services.

  
  

• Section 4 presents a statement of policy for compliance with Title VI, instructions for how a member of the public may file a discrimination complaint, and procedures for tracking and investigating Title VI complaints.

  
  

• Section 5 documents the types of public information about transit services currently provided by the Public Transportation Department and summarizes public outreach and involvement activities. The LEP Plan is included in Section 5.

  
  

• Section 6 provides system-wide service standards and policies in compliance with the FTA Circular 4702.1B program-specific guidance for recipients that provide transit service in a large urban area.

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SECTION 1. FTA GUIDANCE AND INSTRUCTIONS‌

The purpose of this section is to provide an overview for the guidance and instructions in FTA Circular 4702.1B. The circular applies to all recipients of FTA financial assistance. Compliance with the guidance and instructions is addressed in Sections 3 through 7 of this document.

OBJECTIVES

Consistent with DOT Title VI Regulations and the principles of environmental justice and access to services for persons with limited English proficiency, the FTA Circular 4702.1B sets forth the following objectives:

• Ensure that the level and quality of transportation service is provided without regard to race, color, or national origin;

• Identify and address, as appropriate, disproportionately high and adverse human health and environmental effects, including social and economic effects of programs and activities on minority populations and low-income populations;

• Promote the full and fair participation of all affected populations in transportation decision making;

• Prevent the denial, reduction, or delay in benefits related to programs and activities that benefit minority populations or low-income populations; and

• Ensure meaningful access to programs and activities by persons with limited English proficiency.

  
  

  GENERAL REQUIREMENTS‌

  The Fort Bend County Public Transportation Department must follow FTA Circular 4702.1B general requirements to ensure that programs, policies, and activities comply with DOT Title VI Regulations. These requirements include:

  
  

• Submit an annual Title VI assurance as part of the annual Certification and Assurance to FTA;

• Notify beneficiaries of protection under Title VI;

• Develop Title VI complaint procedures for investigating and tracking Title VI complaints and make procedures for filing a complaint available to members of the public;

• Prepare and maintain a list of any active Title VI investigations, complaints, and lawsuits conducted by entities other than FTA; and

• Ensure meaningful access to LEP persons by developing and carrying out a language implementation plan.

  
  

  FTA requires the Fort Bend County Public Transportation Department to prepare and submit a Title VI Program to FTA every three years. As described in 49 CFR Part 21 , the County’s Title VI program is required to include the following information:

  
  

• Title VI Notice to the Public

• Title VI complaint procedures for investigating and tracking Title VI complaints and make procedures for filing a complaint available to members of the public;

• Title VI Complaint Form

• A list of any active Title VI investigations, complaints, and lawsuits conducted by entities other than FTA; and

• Public Participation Plan,

• Language Assistance Plan for providing language assistance to persons with limited English proficiency (LEP); and

• A table depicting the membership of non-elected committees and councils, the membership of which is selected by the recipient, broken down by race, and a description of the process the agency uses to encourage the participation of minorities on such committees; and

• A description of how the agency monitors its subrecipients for compliance with Title VI, and schedule of subrecipient Title VI Program submissions; and

• A Title VI equity analysis if the recipient has constructed a facility, such as a vehicle storage facility, maintenance facility, operation center, etc.; and

• A copy of board meeting minutes, resolution, or other appropriate documentation showing the board of directors or appropriate governing entity or officials responsible for policy decisions reviewed and approved the Title VI Program.

REQUIREMENTS FOR CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS‌

Recipients of Federal Transit Administration financial assistance are required to conduct a Title VI equity analysis during the planning phase of all construction projects (i.e. vehicle storage, operations and maintenance) and during the analysis required by the National Environmental Policy Act analysis. Since Fort Bend County Public Transportation’s last Title VI update (November 2020) Fort Bend County Transit has continued with the planning phase for the Westpark Park and Ride facility and has completed construction on the Fort Bend Transit Administration and Operations and Facility. Appendix A represents the project’s Advanced Planning Report including Title VI relevant considerations.

National Environmental Protection Act Background

The primary law governing the FTA environmental protection process is the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.), as amended. Many different federal laws, rules, and regulations govern environmental review of federally assisted mass transportation projects. NEPA establishes protection of the environment as a national priority

and mandates that environmental impacts must be considered before any federal action likely to significantly affect the environment is undertaken. Other special purpose statutes and procedures may apply as well, depending on specific circumstances, e.g., protective measures for historic properties, wetlands, floodplains, etc. If related environmental review requirements apply, they are to be undertaken as part of the NEPA compliance process.

The process for complying with NEPA and federal surface transportation statutes is defined in the joint Federal Highway Administration/ FTA Environmental Impact and Related Procedures (23 C.F.R 771). The regulation sets forth the agencies' policy of combining all environmental analyses and reviews into a single process. It defines the roles and responsibilities of FTA and its

grant applicants in preparing documents, and in managing the environmental process within the various project development phases.

Applicants intending to apply for federal transit funding should notify FTA at the time a project concept is identified. Once the applicant has furnished sufficient information and documentation, FTA will advise the applicant of the probable class of action and the related level of documentation required in the NEPA process. Recipients and sub-recipients of federal funding for construction projects should integrate an environmental justice analysis into the NEPA documentation. Recipients are not required to conduct environmental justice analyses of projects where NEPA documentation is not required.

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SECTION 2. OVERVIEW OF FORT BEND COUNTY‌

The purpose of this section is to provide an overview of the population demographics for Fort Bend County and to highlight the transit services provided by the Fort Bend County Public Transportation Department.

POPULATION DEMOGRAPHICS IN FORT BEND COUNTY‌

Fort Bend County is located along the Gulf Coast region of Texas, within the Houston-The Woodlands- Sugar Land metropolitan area, the fifth-largest metropolitan area in the United States with a population of approximately 7.1 million. According to the US Census in 2020, Fort Bend County’s population was estimated at 822,779, which represents 11.55 percent of the total population in the metropolitan area.

Population Growth

The population of Fort Bend County has grown significantly since 1990, as shown in Table 1. Since 1990, the County has grown from 225,421 to 822,779 making it one the fastest growing counties in the nation.

The Houston-Galveston Area Council (H-GAC) further estimates that Fort Bend County’s population will continue to grow, adding just over 200,000 people by the year 2030.

Table 1. Population in Fort Bend County.

Sources:

A U.S. Census

B H-GAC Regional Growth Forecast (2017)

Urban and Rural Fort Bend County

Most of the population of Fort Bend County falls within the Houston urbanized area. In 2010, the Fort Bend County population was 585,375 and 547,198 or 93.5 percent was in the urbanized area. The remaining population 38,177 or 6.5 percent was in rural Fort Bend County. According to 2017 ACS estimates, 689,175 residents (96.8 percent) of Fort Bend County reside within the Houston urbanized area.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 861.5 square miles and is the 181st largest county in Texas by total area. The average population density was 679.5 persons per square mile as of the 2010 Census and approximately 826 persons per square mile in 2017, according to the 2017 ACS 5-Year estimates. Rural areas of the county average approximately 65 persons per square mile.

Geographically, large portions of the county are rural; however, cities are growing rapidly.

Diversity

Fort Bend County is one of the most diverse counties in the United States as reflected in racial and ethnic population demographics represented below in Table 2.

Table 2. Population of Fort Bend County by Race and Ethnicity.

Source: 2020 U.S. Census 2017 ACS 5-Year Estimate

Incorporated Cities

Seventeen incorporated cities fall within the boundaries of Fort Bend County.1 Table 3 identifies the cities and presents the population and growth from 2010 to 2020. The remaining population in Fort Bend County resides in unincorporated areas of the county or in the small segments of the City of Houston that exist within Fort Bend County.

1 A small portion of the City of Houston falls within Fort Bend County, however this data is not included in Table 3.

Table 3. Incorporated Cities in Fort Bend County

Source: U.S. Census

Poverty

Under the federal guidelines for environmental justice, low-income population means a person whose median household income is at or below the poverty guidelines. According to the 2020 census data, 7.4 percent of the total population in Fort Bend County were living below the poverty level. The poverty level in Fort Bend County is below the state of Texas (14.67 percent) and Harris County (15.1 percent).

Older Adults and Persons with a Disability

The focus of federal Title VI regulations is not on demographics of age and disability. However, the Fort Bend County Public Transportation Department does develop services that are responsive to the needs of older adults (persons age 60 and over) and persons with a disability.

Approximately 17.5 percent of all persons residing in Fort Bend County in 2020 were 60 years of age or older. According to the 2019 ACS 1-Year Estimate, approximately 11.6 percent of Fort Bend County’s population is 65 years of age or older. This compares with the senior population for the state of Texas at approximately 11.7 percent and Harris County at approximately 10.9 percent.

According to 2019 ACS 5-Year Estimates, approximately 6.6 percent of civilian, non-

institutionalized persons over the age of five reported a disability.

FORT BEND COUNTY PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION DEPARTMENT‌

The Fort Bend County Public Transportation Department is the public transit provider within Fort Bend County. The Public Transportation Department provides three transit services/programs: demand response transit service; commuter transit service; and Ambassador Service.

Demand Response Transit Service. Fort Bend County offers demand response transit services to all citizens of Fort Bend County. Demand response transit service only serves origins/destinations in Fort Bend County. In order to schedule or cancel a ride, a rider may call 866-751-TRIP between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Monday thru Friday (excluding Fort Bend County holidays) and ask for the “Fort Bend County Reservations.” Reservations can be made 30 days or up to one (1) business day in advance of the appointment time. Rides are scheduled for first destination drop-off by 8:00 a.m. and the last pick-up will be no later than 5:00 p.m. Repeat rides may be scheduled in advance. Rides will be accepted on a “time and space” available basis. Trip fares are $1.00 per person each way. Passengers must be ready 15 minutes before scheduled pick up time. This is a curb-to-curb service; however, persons with disabilities can request door-to-door service, as well as an Ambassador.

Commuter Transit Service. Fort Bend County operates commuter bus service to three major employment centers in Harris County. The service consists of three bus routes, one to Greenway Plaza, one to Uptown/Galleria, and one to the Texas Medical Center. Park-and-rides are located at the University of Houston Sugar Land campus at University Boulevard and US 59, the AMC Movie Theatre on Town Center Boulevard near First Colony Mall, and the Fort Bend County Fairgrounds near State Highway 36 and Fairgrounds Road. The Greenway Plaza route offers a connection to the Metropolitan Transit Authority (METRO) West Bellfort Park & Ride. At this location, riders are able to transfer to METRO routes to downtown Houston and the TMC. Fort Bend commuter service runs Monday through Friday (excluding Fort Bend County holidays) during peak commuter periods. Buses leave the park and ride lots between 4:30 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. and return from the activity centers between 3:15 p.m. and 8:40 p.m. at 15 to 20 minute intervals. A midday service is also available for our TMC service from 11:05 a.m. through 1:40 p.m. fare varies from $1.00 to $3.50 each way depending on the origin and destination.

Ambassador Service. Fort Bend Transit offers Ambassador Service. An Ambassador is an individual who works directly with passengers providing assistance from the passenger’s door to the vehicle and from the vehicle to the final destination. This personalized service is to assist with the safe passage for those unable to travel unescorted or alone; those who need additional help with boarding and alighting vehicles, and passengers with agitation, behavioral and cognitive issues. Ambassadors may be assigned to bus stop locations and/or transit vehicles. Ambassadors will not be drivers, will not attach passenger securements (seat belts, wheelchair tie-down, etc.) or operate mechanical lifts or ramps.

Figure 1 presents the locations for regional public transportation services from Fort Bend County to destinations in Harris County. The regional destinations include Greenway Plaza,

Uptown/Galleria, the Texas Medical Center, and METRO West Bellfort Park & Ride for Fort Bend Commuter Service.

Figure 1. Fort Bend County Public Transportation Regional Transit Destination

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SECTION 3. ACCESS TO TRANSIT FOR PERSONS WITH LIMITED ENGLISH PROFICIENCY‌

In previous statistical analyses of demographic characteristics, Fort Bend County identified the concentrations of population that have limited English proficiency.

The purpose of this section is to look more specifically at what languages other than English are spoken at home by Fort Bend County residents and to gauge the extent to which these populations may access transit services. The analysis will help the Fort Bend County Public Transportation Department to develop and carry out a language implementation plan.

LANGUAGE SPOKEN AT HOME‌

To determine the current language/translation needs of the Fort Bend County population at the countywide level, 2020 Census data is used. This data is reported by census tract as households in which a language other than English is spoken at home. A benefit of looking at languages spoken at home is to identify the languages that are most familiar to a person whose nation of origin is not the United States. This information will serve as guidance for Fort Bend County to provide language assistance for growing segments of the population.

The 2020 Census data documents 13 language categories at the household level to present data on the number of households that speak a language and the number of those households that identify as a limited English speaking household. Table 4 presents each language category and the number of households identified for each. As shown in Table 4, Spanish is the language spoken at home by the largest percent of households—nearly 19 percent—after English.

Table 4. Languages Other than English Spoken at Home.

Source: U.S. Census

Limited English Proficiency

Of the language categories identified in Table 4, nine categories include households that identify as limited English speaking households at a rate greater than one percent of the total households in that category, as presented in Table 5.

Table 5. Limited English Households.

Source: U.S. Census

To further investigate Fort Bend County’s limited English population, data at the census tract or block group level is required. However, these data sets include only four household language categories for households with limited English—Spanish, Other Indo-European languages, Asian and Pacific Island languages, and Other languages. Appendix C represents this data for each census tract in Fort Bend County.

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SECTION 4. TITLE VI POLICIES AND PROCEDURES‌

According to the guidance provided by FTA Circular 4702.1B, the Fort Bend County Public Transportation Department must ensure that programs, policies, and activities comply with DOT Title VI Regulations.

The purpose of this section is to present a statement of policy for compliance with Title VI, instructions for how a member of the public may file a discrimination complaint, and procedures for tracking and investigating Title VI complaints. The Public Transportation Department has a responsibility to provide public notice to the beneficiaries of its public transportation services of protection under Title VI.

TITLE VI STATEMENT OF POLICY FOR PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION‌

Fort Bend County is committed to a policy of non-discrimination in the conduct of its business, including the Title VI responsibility to deliver equitable and accessible transportation services. Fort Bend County officially formed the Public Transportation Department in June 2005 to provide residents with safe and efficient public transportation services while maintaining service quality and customer satisfaction.

The Public Transportation Department recognizes its responsibility to the Fort Bend County community in which it operates and to the society it serves. The Public Transportation Department will utilize its best efforts to assure 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 the Fort Bend County program of transit service delivery and related benefits. Further, the Public Transportation Department will utilize best efforts to provide equitable and accessible public transportation services to persons of low income and persons with limited English proficiency.

In order to comply with the Title VI requirements, the Public Transportation Department strives to accomplish the following objectives:

• Ensure that the level and quality of transportation service is provided without regard to race, color or national origin;

• Identify and address, as appropriate, disproportionately high and adverse human health and environmental effects, including social and economic effects of programs and activities on minority populations and low-income populations;

• Promote the full and fair participation of all affected populations in transportation decision making;

• Prevent the denial, reduction or delay in benefits related to programs and activities that benefit minority populations or low-income populations; and

• Ensure meaningful access to programs and activities by persons with limited English proficiency.

  
  

  The responsibility for carrying out Fort Bend County’s commitment to Title VI responsibilities rests with the Director of the Public Transportation Department. All managers, supervisors, and

  employees in the Public Transportation Department share in the responsibility for making the Title VI Program a success.

  
  

  Fort Bend County is committed to safeguarding against discrimination in its provision of public transportation services. Any person who feels he or she may have been discriminated against is encouraged to report in writing such a violation to the Fort Bend County within 180 days of the alleged discrimination. Additional information concerning the Fort Bend County Title VI obligations and the complaint procedure can be found by calling (281) 633-7433 or on the county’s website www.FBCTransit.org.

  
  

  FILING A DISCRIMINATION COMPLAINT‌

  The responsibility for carrying out Fort Bend County’s commitment to Title VI responsibilities rests with the Director of the Public Transportation Department. All managers, supervisors, and employees in the Public Transportation Department share in the responsibility for making the Title VI Program a success.

  
  

  Any person who feels he or she may have been discriminated against is encouraged to report in writing such a violation to the Fort Bend County Public Transportation Department within 180 days of the alleged discrimination. If the individual believes that he/she has been excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of, or subjected to discrimination based on race, color, or national origin under Fort Bend County’s Public Transportation Department programs for transit service delivery or related benefits, the individual may file a complaint with the Fort Bend County Public Transportation Department:

  
  

  • Mail to the Fort Bend County Public Transportation Department, Civil Rights Officer, 301 Jackson Street, Richmond, TX 77469;

  • Telephone (281) 633-7433;

  • Fax (832) 471-1843; or

  • Email at transit@fbctx.gov

  
  

  Complaints may also be filed with the following organization no later than 180 days after the date of the alleged discrimination:

  
  

  Federal Transit Administration’s Office of Civil Rights Attention: Title VI Program Coordinator

  East Building, 5th Floor - TCR 1200 New Jersey Ave., SE Washington, DC 20590

  202-366-4018

  http://www.fta.dot.gov/civilrights/title6/civil_rights_5104.html

  
  

  Appendix D of this report provides a copy of the complaint form. Comments can be submitted in a format other than the complaint form. If the complaint is filed verbally, the information will be documented in writing by the Public Transportation Department.

  TRACKING AND INVESTIGATING TITLE VI COMPLAINTS‌

  The Civil Rights Officer will review and investigate every complaint promptly. Reasonable measures will be undertaken to preserve any information that is confidential. At a minimum, the Civil Rights Officer will:

  
  

• Identify and review all relevant documents, practices and procedures; and

• Identify and interview persons with knowledge of the Title VI violation, i.e., the person making the complaint; witnesses or anyone identified by the Complainant; anyone who may have been subject to similar activity, or anyone with relevant information.

Once the investigation has been completed, the Civil Rights Officer will decide the validity of the complaint and what, if any, remedial actions will be taken to address the complainant’s concerns. If a Title VI violation is found to exist, remedial steps as appropriate and necessary will be taken immediately. The complainant will also receive a final report together with any remedial steps. The investigation process and final report should take no longer than twenty-five

(25) business days. If no violation is found and the complainant wishes to appeal the decision, he or she may appeal directly to the Director of Public Transportation, 301 Jackson Street, Richmond, Texas 77469.

The Civil Rights Officer will maintain a log of Title VI complaints received from this process which shall include the date the complaint was filed; a summary of the allegations; the status of the complaint; and actions taken by the Department of Public Transportation in response to the complaint. Should Fort Bend County receive a Title VI complaint in the form of a formal charge or lawsuit, the complaint will be forwarded to the Fort Bend County Attorney, The Civil Rights Officer’s log of Title VI complaints will be included in each Title VI program update. If no complaints were received, a letter stating this fact will be included in place of the complaint log. See Appendix E for Fort Bend County’s 2021 Letter of No Title VI Complaints.

Complaints may also be filed with the following organization no later than 180 days after the date of the alleged discrimination:

Federal Transit Administration’s Office of Civil Rights Attention: Title VI Program Coordinator

East Building, 5th Floor - TCR 1200 New Jersey Ave., SE Washington, DC 20590

202-366-4018

http://www.fta.dot.gov/civilrights/title6/civil_rights_5104.html

The Civil Rights Officer will prepare and maintain a list of any active Title VI investigations, complaints, and lawsuits conducted by entities other than FTA.

PUBLIC NOTICE‌

The Fort Bend County Public Transportation Department is responsible for notifying the public and beneficiaries of public transportation services of protection under Title VI and providing instructions on how to file a discrimination complaint.

To notify the public and beneficiaries of public transportation services of protection under Title VI, the Public Transportation Department will do the following:

• Post the Title VI policy statement, instructions on how to file a complaint, and access to the complaint form on the departmental website.

• Post the Title VI policy statement and instructions on how to file a complaint in the office of the Public Transportation Department.

• Post the Title VI policy statement and instructions on how to file a complaint in all buses of the Public Transportation Department.

• Include information in the Fort Bend County Public Transportation’s Title VI Notice on how to contact the Fort Bend County Public Transportation Civil Rights Officer to request additional information regarding the Title VI Program or to file a complaint.

  • Title VI notices can be found in the following locations/documents:

    
    

    • Buses

    • Website

    • Bulletins

    • Passenger Guidelines

    • Route Schedules

    • Brochures

    • Customer Handouts

    • Public Transportation Department Office and areas accessible to riders

All vital documents will be provided in the languages identified by FBC’s Four Factor Analysis as languages spoken by at least one percent of the County’s population. See Appendix J for Fort Bend County Public Transportation’s Public Notice.

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SECTION 5. PUBLIC INFORMATION ABOUT TRANSIT SERVICES AND LAP PLAN‌

The Fort Bend County Public Transportation Department is committed to ensuring meaningful access to programs and activities by persons with limited English proficiency, as required by FTA Circular 4702.1B.

This section has two purposes. The first purpose is to document the types of public information about transit services currently provided by the Public Transportation Department and to summarize public outreach and involvement activities to reach out to target markets including minority and low-income people, older adults, and persons with disabilities. The second purpose is to document a proposed approach to ensure meaningful access to persons with limited English proficiency by providing more bilingual information.

SUMMARY OF CURRENT PUBLIC OUTREACH AND INVOLVEMENT‌

The Fort Bend County Public Transportation Department provides public outreach pamphlets in both English and Spanish. The Public Transportation Department also provides public information about all transit services in English via the following media.

Internet Website: www.FBCTransit.org

Telephone: 281-633-7433 Toll Free: 866-751-8747

Fax: 832-471-1843

Email: transit@fortbendcountytx.gov

Individuals with hearing impairments can make a reservation utilizing the Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS). The individual would dial 711 which would connect him/her to TRS. Individuals with vision impairments may request printed materials in larger fonts upon request.

The Fort Bend County Public Transportation Department engages in public outreach in order to attract ridership and inform others of transit services. Outreach takes the form of presentations, open houses, information tables, group discussions, posters, and pamphlets.

Public involvement activities occur at churches, schools, community centers, governmental agencies, chambers of commerce, and agencies that provide human and social services for older adults and persons with disabilities. The Public Transportation Department keeps a record of the locations and events. The language used for all verbal presentations and group discussions is English; however professional interpreters are available for all presentations and events upon request. Sign language interpreters are available upon request.

Appendix F includes documentation of public presentations and public outreach initiatives by the Fort Bend County Public Transportation Department. Many of the collaboration meetings are with advocates for minority and low-income people – for example:

• Fort Bend County Meals on Wheels

• Texas Workforce Solutions

• Catholic Charities

• Fort Bend Connect

• Literacy Council of Fort Bend County

• Fort Bend Independent School District

• Fort Bend County Indigent Health Care

• Texana

• The Association for Retarded Citizens of Fort Bend County

Public outreach also includes a concerted effort to reach out to health and human service agencies that support persons with disabilities and older adults.

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION PLAN‌

The Public Participation Plan (PPP) is a guide for FBCPT’s ongoing public participation activities. The purpose of this PPP is to provide guidance when seeking public input related to projects and service changes and to identify techniques and methodologies for soliciting and considering public input.

The PPP aims to offer early and continuous opportunities for the public to be involved in the decision-making process and to consider the identification of social, economic, and environmental impacts of proposed transportation decisions. It is intended as a guide on how FBCPT will sustain its efforts to engage community members throughout the service area. As established with our Title VI policy, this includes seeking out and considering the viewpoints of minority, low-income, and Limited English Proficiency (LEP) populations as well as older adults and persons with limited mobility in the course of conducting outreach activities. Appendix I includes the PPP and provides specific strategies used to engage minority populations when engaging the public.

ENHANCEMENTS FOR PUBLIC OUTREACH TO TITLE VI POPULATIONS‌

In order to ensure that minority, low-income, and LEP persons have meaningful access to public outreach activities, the Fort Bend County Public Transportation Department will enhance the current public involvement program in the following ways:

• All public outreach efforts will continue to be descriptively documented and the following information about each outreach effort will be noted:

  • Date of the outreach;

  • Name, address, and phone number of location of the public outreach;

  • Names of Fort Bend County Public Transportation staff that were present;

  • Name of partner staff that were present;

  • Notes about the outreach effort describing the reason for the outreach and the format of the outreach (presentation, open house, information table, group discussion, meeting, or other);

  • Number of individuals in attendance.

• The Public Transportation Department has developed a Language Assistance Plan to ensure meaningful access to LEP persons (see LAP Plan below).

FOUR FACTOR ANALYSIS‌

In developing the language implementation plan, the Fort Bend County Public Transportation Department undertook a U.S. DOT “four factor” LEP analysis. A brief description of each factor and pertinent considerations are provided in the following discussion.

1. The number or proportion of LEP persons eligible in the Fort Bend County service area who may be served or likely to encounter a Public Transportation Department program, activity, or service.

   
   

   As documented in Section 3 of this report, Spanish is the language other than English most often used by residents of Fort Bend County. Nearly 19 percent of the Fort Bend County households speaks Spanish at home. There are eight other languages or language

   categories spoken at home by at least one percent of Fort Bend County’s households, including: Other Indo-European languages (11.26 percent), Chinese including Mandarin and Cantonese (29.31 percent), German or other West Germanic languages (25.51 percent), Other Asian and Pacific Island languages (16.60 percent), Vietnamese (17.50 percent), Russian, Polish, or other Slavic languages (14.15 percent), Tagalog including Filipino (5.75percent), and Arabic (13.53 percent).

   
   

2. The frequency with which LEP individuals come in contact with a Public Transportation Department program, activity, or service.

   
   

   The Fort Bend County Public Transportation Department assesses the frequency with which staff and drivers have or could possibly have contact with LEP persons. This includes documenting phone inquiries and verbally surveying drivers. The occasions when information is requested in another language are infrequent; however, when a request is made, the request is for information in Spanish.

   
   

3. The nature and importance of the program, activity, or service provided by the Public Transportation Department.

   
   

   Public transportation is the means of travel to work, getting to medical appointments or to attend school and achieve general mobility for many LEP persons. The Public Transportation Department partners with numerous community organizations and social and human service agencies to provide transit services. The Fort Bend County Public Transportation Department will collaborate with all organizations and agencies in the service area to seek public input, hold public meetings, and assist in advising all LEP persons of the types of language assistance and public transportation services that can be provided.

4. The resources available to the Public Transportation Department and overall costs.

   
   

   The Public Transportation Department continuously assesses its available resources that could be used for providing LEP assistance. This includes determining the ability of members of the staff and drivers to speak another language (specifically, Spanish), having a contractor in place if/when a professional interpreter and/or translation services are needed, which documents would be most valuable to be translated if and when warranted, taking an inventory of available organizations that the Public Transportation Department could partner with for outreach and translation efforts, and what level of staff training is needed.

   
   

   Based on these four factors, the Fort Bend County Public Transportation Department developed a plan to assist LEP persons who speak Spanish as a native language.

   
   

   LANGUAGE ASSISTANCE PLAN (LAP)‌

   Consistent with guidance provided by FTA Circular 4702.1B, the Fort Bend County Public Transportation Department will provide language assistance for persons with limited English proficiency. It is the policy of Fort Bend Transit to provide a timely meaningful access to all persons with LEP (Limited English Proficiency) free of charge.

   In addition, the department will monitor available information to anticipate the need for languages other than English that have been identified during the four-factor analysis.

   
   

   Language Assistance Measures

   In order to ensure meaningful access to LEP persons who have limited English proficiency, the Fort Bend County Public Transportation Department will enhance current public information about transit services in the following ways:

   
   

   • The Title VI statement of policy and instructions for how to file a discrimination complaint. The complaint form will be provided in all languages that fall under the Safe Harbor Provision.

     
     

   • Public information materials will be provided with an option for languages other than English.

     • Fort Bend County Public Transportation Department’s website will have all vital documents posted in English and the ability to view in multiple languages including the languages identified under the Safe Harbor threshold. These vital documents are also available in print if requested.

     • The recorded information for the telephone number for general information will have a bilingual option in Spanish;

       
       

   • When an interpreter is needed to respond to a telephone call to reserve a demand response transit trip, the person will be referred to a bilingual Public Transportation Department employee when available. If a bilingual employee is not available in the language requested, FBT will provide over the phone interpretation services through the

   County’s contracted translation vendor to assist the customer. The individual’s reserved trip will be noted with their preferred language and on the driver’s manifest to alert the driver to a LEP passenger who may need additional assistance.

   
   

   • A member of the Fort Bend County staff who speaks Spanish or a contracted interpreter will be available to facilitate public outreach efforts involving the general public in areas of the county where there are concentrations of LEP population (to be determined based on census data or other reliable sources of information).

   • The Public Transportation Department will make available an interpreter for public meetings. The announcement for the public meeting will state that translation services will be provided if requested in advance.

   
   

   Monitor Trends in Languages Other than English

   The Fort Bend Public Transportation Department will use the following tools to identify who may need language assistance:

   
   

   • Examine records for language assistance from past meetings and events to anticipate the possible need for assistance at upcoming meetings.

   • When the Public Transportation Department sponsors workshops or conferences, the responsible staff member will set up a sign-in sheet and then assign someone to personally greet and briefly speak to each attendee. To informally gage the attendee’s ability to speak and understand English, the greeter will ask a question that requires a full sentence reply.

   • Require FBT Reservation staff and Receptionist document each time a call is received from a person who does not speak proficiently in English. Keep a log and review on a quarterly basis to establish a trend line.

   • Examine the latest Census data.

     
     

     Safe Harbor Provision

     
     

     DOJ’s Safe Harbor Provision outlines the circumstances that can provide transit agencies a “safe harbor” regarding the translation of written materials for LEP populations. It stipulates that if a recipient provides written translation of vital documents for each eligible language group that constitutes five percent (5%) of its population of persons, or 1,000 persons whichever is less.

     
     

     Fort Bend County Public Transportation has identified the following as vital documents including:

     
     

     • Title VI Notice/Policy

     • Service/Route Schedules

     • Passenger Guidelines

     • Public Participation Plan

     • ADA & Title VI Complaint From and Procedures

   Vital documents will be translated in the languages that meet the Limited English Proficient (LEP) Safe Harbor threshold and will be available to the public. For requests for translations in a language not identified under the Safe Harbor threshold, the public is encouraged to contact the Transit Office during normal business hours and allow three (3) to five (5) days to process the request.

   
   

   These vital documents can be found on the department website and have been converted to text based website content. Users may access the converted content on the Fort Bend County Public Transportation website. Software is available on the website to natively translate the converted documents making it accessible and useable globally. This feature is accessible via the top right dropdown menu option “Select Language”. There are more than 100 language options to select for translation including the languages that meet the Safe Harbor Provision. If a member of the public does not have access to a computer or the internet, Fort Bend Transit can provide this information in print in their desired language. Fort Bend County also has an agreement with several translation services that offer language and sign language interpreting services.

   
   

   Training for Staff

   The Fort Bend County Public Transportation Department will provide staff with a copy of the LEP Plan and provide training for all employees including new hires. Training topics will include:

   
   

   • Understanding the Title VI policy and LEP responsibilities;

   • What language assistance services the Public Transportation Department offers;

   • Instructions on how to document language assistance requests; and

   • How to handle complaints.

     
     

     Monitoring and Updating the LEP Plan

     The Fort Bend County Public Transportation Department will monitor and evaluate changes in LEP population through available demographic information to determine the growing incidence of other languages and potential need for language accommodation.

     
     

     The LEP plan is designed to be flexible and can be easily updated. Each triennial update should examine components such as the following:

     
     

   • Was the need for language assistance provided? If not, why not? If yes, how was the assistance was provided?

   • Were any complaints received?

   • Has there been any change in the types of languages where translation services are needed?

   • What is the current LEP population in the service area?

   • Is there still a need for continued language assistance for previously identified programs or services? Are there other programs or services that should be included?

   • Have the goals of the LEP Plan been accomplished?

     TRIENNIAL REPORTS‌

     The Fort Bend County Public Transportation Department will prepare and submit a Title VI Program to FTA every three years beginning in 2009. The program will include the following information at a minimum:

     
     

   • Evidence of notice to the public that the Fort Bend County Public Transportation Department complies with Title VI and instructions to the public on how to file a discrimination complaint;

   • Procedures for tracking and investigating Title VI complaints;

   • List of any Title VI investigations, complaints, or lawsuits;

   • Summary of public outreach and involvement activities and steps undertaken to ensure that minority and low-income people have meaningful access to these activities; and

   • Plan for providing language assistance for persons with limited English proficiency.

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SECTION 6. SERVICES STANDARDS AND POLICIES FOR TRANSIT IN LARGE URBAN AREAS‌

According to the FTA Circular 4702.1B program-specific guidance for recipients that provide transit service in a large urban area, the Fort Bend County Public Transportation Department should adopt quantitative system-wide service standards and policies to guard against service design and operational policies that have disparate impacts. The department is also required to monitor transit service throughout the county to ensure that minority groups and low-income populations are beneficiaries of transit services. Every three years, the Fort Bend County Public Transportation Department is required to document compliance.

The purpose of this section is to document Fort Bend County compliance with the FTA Circular 4702.1B program-specific guidance for recipients that provide transit service in a large urban area.

SERVICE STANDARDS AND SERVICE POLICIES

Fort Bend County public transportation services are either demand response or commuter bus. As a result, the service standards and policies have specific requirements, different from traditional service standards that include local fixed-route service. The following paragraphs include the service standards and service policies for the Fort Bend County Public Transportation Department.

Service Coverage

Coverage refers to the geographic area where transit services are provided.

Service Availability

Availability refers to how passengers may access transit service.

Span of Service

Span of service refers to the days of the week and the hours that service is available.

Service Frequency

Vehicle headway refers to the time interval between vehicles travelling the same direction on the same route.

Load Factor

The “load factor” reflects the number of passengers divided by the seated capacity of the bus, reflected as a percentage.

Service Reliability (On-Time Performance)

On-time performance is a measure of service reliability.

Vehicle Assignment

Vehicle assignment refers to the process by which transit vehicles are placed into service throughout the system.

Standard: Buses are assigned to ensure the best match of vehicle specifications to the types of transit service to be provided. Vehicles will be assigned on the basis of safety, efficiency, and performance. Vehicle will not be assigned with the intent to provide preference or benefit to any geographic service area or any passenger.

Passenger Amenities

Passenger amenities include bus stops, benches, and shelters for the convenience of passengers who must wait for fixed route buses on schedule.

REVIEW OF SYSTEM-WIDE SERVICE CHANGES AND FARE INCREASES

In order to comply with Title VI requirements, the Fort Bend County Public Transportation Department will evaluate significant system-wide service and fare changes and proposed service improvements at the planning and programming stages to determine whether those changes have a discriminatory impact on minority and low-income populations.

The Public Transportation Department will follow the Public Participation Plan (PPP) when evaluating significant system-wide service, fare changes, and proposed service improvements:

Under FTA guidelines, Fort Bend County can implement a fare increase or major service change that would have disproportionately high and adverse effects on minority and low- income riders provided the Public Transportation Department demonstrates that the action meets a substantial need that is in the public interest and that alternatives would have more severe adverse effects than the preferred alternative.

REVIEW FOR TITLE VI COMPLIANCE

As a way to ensure Title VI compliance, the Fort Bend County Public Transportation Department will monitor Title VI related service factors. The review will include the following steps:

• Record of Complaints: The Public Transportation Department will investigate and track Title VI complaints according to the adopted procedures. Fort Bend County Public Transportation Department will maintain a list of any active investigations conducted by entities other than FTA, which includes lawsuits and complaints.

  
  

• Ridership Data: The Public Transportation Department will monitor the location of riders of transit services and compare to the most current demographic data to ensure no discriminatory service. The department will include questions to ascertain rider characteristics for Title VI demographics in periodic surveys of transit riders.

• Changes in Service: The Public Transportation Department will evaluate and modify any change in service in order to eliminate or mitigate adverse effects or discrimination that could occur as a result of the change. Changes in service include changes in routes, hours of operation, frequency of service, reduction of service, or elimination of service.

  
  

• LEP Plan: The Public Transportation Department will provide language assistance in Spanish for persons with limited English proficiency according to the LEP Plan. In addition, the department will monitor available information to anticipate the need for languages other than English and Spanish. Information on LEP populations will be obtained from ACS data and other relevant sources as available. This will help track growth of specific languages in the county and provide insight into what languages people in the general public may need assistance.

  
  

• Public Outreach: The Public Transportation Department will maintain a list of all public outreach initiatives and presentation. Records will be reviewed periodically to ensure that minority, low-income, and LEP persons have meaningful access to public outreach activities.

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REFERENCES‌

Federal Transit Administration. Circular 4702.1B, Title VI Requirements and Guidelines for Federal Transit Administration Recipients.

Federal Transit Administration. Quick Reference Title VI Circular 4702.1B.

APPENDIX A – O&M FACILITY & WESTPARK PARK AND RIDE ADVANCE PLANNING REPORT‌

APPENDIX B – TITLE VI DEMOGRAPHIC ANALYSIS‌‌

Fort Bend County Demographic Data – Minority, Age 65 and Older, Disability Status, and Low-Income

Source: 2020 Census Data

APPENDIX C – LANGUAGE SPOKEN AT HOME IN FORT BEND COUNTY‌‌

Fort Bend County Demographic Data – Limited Language Households by Language Spoken at Home

Source: 2020 Census Data

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APPENDIX D – TITLE VI COMPLAINT PROCEDURES AND COMPLAINT FORM‌

TITLE VI COMPLAINT PROCEDURES

Any person who feels he or she may have been discriminated against is encouraged to report such a violation to the Fort Bend County Public Transportation Department within 180 days of the alleged discrimination. You may file a complaint with the Fort Bend County Public Transportation Department, Attention Civil Rights Officer, 301 Jackson St. Richmond, TX 77469; by telephone

(281) 633- RIDE (7433); by fax (832) 471-1843; or by email at transit@fortbendcountytx.gov. If information is needed in another language, please contact our office at 281-633-RIDE (7433).

Chinese - 鼓勵任何認為自己受到歧視的人在被指控的歧視之日起180天內向本德縣公共交通部門舉報此類違法行為。您可以向本德堡縣公共交通部門投訴，民權官員，德克薩斯州傑克遜街301號，郵政編碼77469；通過電話（281）633-乘車（7433）；傳真（832）471- 1843；或通過電子郵件發送至transit@fortbendcountytx.gov。如果需要其他語言的信息，請致電281-633-RIDE（7433）與我們的辦公室聯繫。

Korean - 차별을 받았다고 생각하는 사람은 차별 혐의가 발생한 날로부터 180 일 이내에 이러한 위반 사항을 포트 벤드 카운티 대중 교통부에 신고 할 것을 권장합니다. 포트 벤드 카운티 대중 교통부, 민권 담당관, 301 Jackson St. Richmond, TX 77469에 불만을 제기 할 수 있습니다. 전화로 (281) 633- RIDE (7433); 팩스 (832) 471-1843; 또는

Transit@fortbendcountytx.gov 로 이메일을 보내 주십시오 . 다른 언어로 된 정보가 필요한 경우 281-633-RIDE (7433)로 저희 사무실에 문의하십시오.

Vietnamese - Bất kỳ người nào cảm thấy mình có thể bị phân biệt đối xử được khuyến khích báo cáo hành vi vi phạm đó cho Sở Giao thông Công cộng Quận Fort Bend trong vòng 180 ngày kể từ ngày bị cáo buộc phân biệt đối xử. Bạn có thể nộp đơn khiếu nại với Sở Giao thông Công cộng Quận Fort Bend, Cán bộ Quyền công dân Chú ý, 301 Jackson St. Richmond, TX 77469; qua điện thoại (281) 633- RIDE (7433); qua fax (832) 471-1843; hoặc qua email tại transit@fortbendcountytx.gov . Nếu cần thông tin bằng ngôn ngữ khác, vui lòng liên hệ với văn phòng của chúng tôi theo số 281-633-RIDE (7433).

Russian - Любому человеку, который считает, что он или она могли подвергнуться дискриминации, рекомендуется сообщить о таком нарушении в Департамент общественного транспорта округа Форт-Бенд в течение 180 дней с момента предполагаемой дискриминации. Вы можете подать жалобу в Департамент общественного транспорта округа Форт-Бенд, внимательному сотруднику по гражданским правам, 301 Jackson St.

Richmond, TX 77469; по телефону (281) 633-RIDE (7433); по факсу (832) 471-1843; или по электронной почте: transit@fortbendcountytx.gov . Если вам нужна информация на другом языке, пожалуйста, свяжитесь с нашим офисом по телефону 281-633-RIDE (7433).

Spanish - Se alienta a cualquier persona que sienta que puede haber sido discriminada a informar dicha violación al Departamento de Transporte Público del Condado de Fort Bend dentro de los 180 días posteriores a la supuesta discriminación. Puede presentar una queja ante el Departamento de Transporte Público del Condado de Fort Bend, Atención al Oficial de Derechos Civiles, 301 Jackson St. Richmond, TX 77469; por teléfono (281) 633- RIDE (7433); por fax (832) 471-1843; o por correo electrónico a transit@fortbendcountytx.gov . Si necesita información en otro idioma, comuníquese con nuestra oficina al 281-633-RIDE (7433).

Hindi - कोई भी ��� जो महसूस करता है िक उसके साथ भेदभाव िकया गया है या किथत भेदभाव के 180 िदनों के भीतर फोट� ब�ड काउंटी प��क ट�ांसपोट� िडपाट�म�ट को इस तरह के उ�ंघन की �रपोट� करने के िलए प्रो�ािहत िकया जाता है। आप फोट� ब�ड काउंटी प��क ट� ांसपोट� िडपाट�म�ट, �ान नाग�रक अिधकार अिधकारी, 301 जै�न स�ट �रचमंड, TX 77469 के साथ िशकायत दज� कर सकते ह�; टेलीफोन

�ारा (281) 633- RIDE (7433); फै � �ारा (832) 471-1843; या transit@fortbendcountytx.gov पर ईमेल �ारा । यिद िकसी अ� भाषा म� जानकारी की आव�कता है, तो कृ पया हमारे काया�लय से 281-633- RIDE (7433) पर संपक� कर�।

Haitian Creole - Nenpòt moun ki santi ke li oswa li te diskrimine kont ankouraje yo rapòte yon vyolasyon sa a Depatman Transpòtasyon Piblik Konte Fort Bend nan 180 jou apre diskriminasyon an swadizan. Ou ka depoze yon plent nan Depatman Transpò Piblik Konte Fort Bend, Ofisye Dwa Sivil Atansyon, 301 Jackson St. Richmond, TX 77469; pa telefòn (281) 633- RIDE (7433); pa faks (832) 471-1843; oswa pa imèl nan transit@fortbendcountytx.gov . Si enfòmasyon yo bezwen nan yon lòt lang, tanpri kontakte biwo nou an nan 281-633-RIDE (7433).

French - Toute personne qui estime avoir été victime de discrimination est encouragée à signaler une telle violation au département des transports publics du comté de Fort Bend dans les 180 jours suivant la discrimination alléguée. Vous pouvez déposer une plainte auprès du Département des transports publics du comté de Fort Bend, à l'attention de l'agent des droits civils, 301 Jackson St. Richmond, TX 77469; par téléphone (281) 633- RIDE (7433); par fax (832) 471-1843; ou par e- mail à transit@fortbendcountytx.gov . Si des informations sont nécessaires dans une autre langue, veuillez contacter notre bureau au 281-633-RIDE (7433).

PROCEDURES

Fort Bend County is committed to a policy of non-discrimination in the conduct of its business, including the Title VI responsibility to deliver equitable and accessible public transportation services. The Public Transportation Department recognizes its responsibilities to the Fort Bend County community in which it operates and to the society, it serves. The Public Transportation Department will utilize its best efforts to assure 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 the Fort Bend County program of transit service delivery and related benefits. Further, the Public Transportation Department will utilize best efforts to provide equitable and accessible public transportation services to persons of low income or limited English proficiency. For a complete copy of the Fort Bend County Title VI Statement of Policy for Public Transportation, please visit www.FBCTransit.org.

The responsibility for carrying out Fort Bend County’s commitment to Title VI responsibilities rests with the Director of Public Transportation. All managers, supervisors, and employees in the Public Transportation Department share in the responsibility for making the Title VI Program a success.

The Civil Rights Officer will review and investigate every complaint promptly. Reasonable measures will be undertaken to preserve any information that is confidential. At a minimum, the Civil Rights Officer will:

• Identify and review all relevant documents, practices and procedures;

• Identify and interview persons with knowledge of the Title VI violation, i.e., the person making the complaint; witnesses or anyone identified by the Complainant; anyone who may have been subject to similar activity, or anyone with relevant information.

Once the investigation has been completed, the Civil Rights Officer will decide the validity of the complaint and what, if any, remedial actions will be taken to address the complainant’s concerns. If a Title VI violation is found to exist, remedial steps as appropriate and necessary will be taken immediately. The Complainant will also receive a final report together with any remedial steps.

The investigation process and final report should take no longer than twenty-five

(25) business days.

The Civil Rights Officer shall maintain a log of Title VI complaints received from this process which shall include the date the complaint was filed; a summary of the allegations; the status of the complaint; and actions taken by the Fort Bend County Department of Public Transportation in response to the complaint. Should Fort Bend County receive a Title VI complaint in the form of a formal charge or lawsuit, the complaint will be forwarded to the County Attorney.

A person may also file a complaint directly with the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) no later than 180 days after the date of the alleged discrimination:

Federal Transit Administration’s Office of Civil Rights

Attention: Title VI Program Coordinator East Building, 5th Floor - TCR 1200 New Jersey Ave., SE Washington, DC 20590

202-366-4018

https://www.transit.dot.gov/regulations-and-guidance/civil-rights-ada/file-complaint-fta The above link provide specific information about the FTA complaint process and the appropriate forms for submission directly to FTA.

TITLE VI COMPLAINT FORM

Any person who feels he or she may have been discriminated against is encouraged to report such a violation to the Fort Bend County Public Transportation Department within 180 days of the alleged discrimination. You may file a complaint with the Fort Bend County Public Transportation Department, Attention Civil Rights Officer, 301 Jackson St. Richmond, TX 77469; by telephone (281) 633- RIDE (7433); by fax (832) 471-1843; or by email at transit@fortbendcountytx.gov. If information is needed in another language, please contact our office at 281-633-RIDE (7433).

Chinese - 鼓勵任何認為自己受到歧視的人在被指控的歧視之日起180天內向本德縣公共交通部門舉報此類違法行為。您可以向本德堡縣公共交通部門投訴，民權官員，德克薩斯州傑克遜街301號，郵政編碼77469；通過電話（281）633-乘車（7433）；傳真（832） 471-1843；或通過電子郵件發送至transit@fortbendcountytx.gov。如果需要其他語言的信息，請致電281-633-RIDE（7433）與我們的辦公室聯繫。

Korean - 차별을 받았다고 생각하는 사람은 차별 혐의가 발생한 날로부터 180 일 이내에 이러한 위반 사항을 포트 벤드 카운티 대중 교통부에 신고 할 것을 권장합니다. 포트 벤드 카운티 대중 교통부, 민권 담당관, 301 Jackson St. Richmond, TX 77469에 불만을 제기 할 수 있습니다. 전화로 (281) 633- RIDE (7433); 팩스 (832) 471-1843; 또는

Transit@fortbendcountytx.gov 로 이메일을 보내 주십시오 . 다른 언어로 된 정보가 필요한 경우 281-633-RIDE (7433)로 저희 사무실에 문의하십시오.

Vietnamese - Bất kỳ người nào cảm thấy mình có thể bị phân biệt đối xử được khuyến khích báo cáo hành vi vi phạm đó cho Sở Giao thông Công cộng Quận Fort Bend trong vòng 180 ngày kể từ ngày bị cáo buộc phân biệt đối xử. Bạn có thể nộp đơn khiếu nại với Sở Giao thông Công cộng Quận Fort Bend, Cán bộ Quyền công dân Chú ý, 301 Jackson St. Richmond, TX 77469; qua điện thoại (281) 633- RIDE (7433); qua fax (832) 471-1843; hoặc qua email tại transit@fortbendcountytx.gov . Nếu cần thông tin bằng ngôn ngữ khác, vui lòng liên hệ với văn phòng của chúng tôi theo số 281-633-RIDE (7433).

Russian - Любому человеку, который считает, что он или она могли подвергнуться дискриминации, рекомендуется сообщить о таком нарушении в Департамент общественного транспорта округа Форт-Бенд в течение 180 дней с момента предполагаемой дискриминации. Вы можете подать жалобу в Департамент общественного транспорта округа Форт-Бенд, внимательному сотруднику по гражданским правам, 301 Jackson St. Richmond, TX 77469; по телефону (281) 633-RIDE (7433); по факсу (832) 471-1843; или по электронной почте: transit@fortbendcountytx.gov . Если вам нужна информация на другом языке, пожалуйста, свяжитесь с нашим офисом по телефону 281-633-RIDE (7433).

Spanish - Se alienta a cualquier persona que sienta que puede haber sido discriminada a

informar dicha violación al Departamento de Transporte Público del Condado de Fort Bend dentro de los 180 días posteriores a la supuesta discriminación. Puede presentar una queja ante el Departamento de Transporte Público del Condado de Fort Bend, Atención al Oficial de Derechos Civiles, 301 Jackson St. Richmond, TX 77469; por teléfono (281) 633- RIDE (7433); por fax (832) 471-1843; o por correo electrónico a transit@fortbendcountytx.gov . Si necesita información en otro idioma, comuníquese con nuestra oficina al 281-633-RIDE (7433).

Hindi - कोई भी ��� जो महसूस करता है िक उसके साथ भेदभाव िकया गया है या किथत भेदभाव के 180 िदनों के भीतर फोट� ब�ड काउंटी प��क ट�ांसपोट� िडपाट�म�ट को इस तरह के उ�ंघन की �रपोट� करने के िलए प्रो�ािहत िकया जाता है। आप फोट� ब�ड काउंटी प��क ट� ांसपोट� िडपाट�म�ट, �ान नाग�रक अिधकार अिधकारी, 301 जै�न स�ट �रचमंड, TX 77469 के साथ िशकायत दज� कर सकते ह�; टेलीफोन �ारा (281) 633- RIDE (7433); फै � �ारा (832) 471-1843; या transit@fortbendcountytx.gov पर ईमेल �ारा । यिद िकसी अ� भाषा म� जानकारी की आव�कता है, तो कृ पया हमारे काया�लय से 281-633-RIDE (7433) पर संपक� कर�।

Haitian Creole - Nenpòt moun ki santi ke li oswa li te diskrimine kont ankouraje yo rapòte yon vyolasyon sa a Depatman Transpòtasyon Piblik Konte Fort Bend nan 180 jou apre diskriminasyon an swadizan. Ou ka depoze yon plent nan Depatman Transpò Piblik Konte Fort Bend, Ofisye Dwa Sivil Atansyon, 301 Jackson St. Richmond, TX 77469; pa telefòn (281) 633- RIDE (7433); pa faks (832) 471-1843; oswa pa imèl nan transit@fortbendcountytx.gov . Si enfòmasyon yo bezwen nan yon lòt lang, tanpri kontakte biwo nou an nan 281-633-RIDE (7433).

French - Toute personne qui estime avoir été victime de discrimination est encouragée à signaler une telle violation au département des transports publics du comté de Fort Bend dans les 180 jours suivant la discrimination alléguée. Vous pouvez déposer une plainte auprès du Département des transports publics du comté de Fort Bend, à l'attention de l'agent des droits civils, 301 Jackson St. Richmond, TX 77469; par téléphone (281) 633- RIDE (7433); par fax (832) 471-1843; ou par e-mail à transit@fortbendcountytx.gov . Si des informations sont nécessaires dans une autre langue, veuillez contacter notre bureau au 281-633-RIDE (7433).

COMPLAINT FORM

Title VI of the 1964 Civil Rights Act requires that “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.” The Fort Bend County Public Transportation Department is committed to a policy of non-discrimination in the conduct of its business, including the responsibility to deliver equitable and accessible public transportation services.

Any person who feels he or she may have been discriminated against is encouraged to report such a violation to the Fort Bend County Public Transportation Department within 180 days of the alleged discrimination.

The following information is necessary to assist us in processing your complaint. Should you require any assistance in completing this form, or if information is needed in another language, please let us know by telephone (281) 633-7433 or by email at Transit@co.fort-bend.tx.us. Complete and return

this form to Fort Bend County Public Transportation Department, Attention Civil Rights Officer, 301 Jackson Street, Richmond Texas 77469.

1.Complainant’s Name                                  2.Address                                         3.City, State and Zip Code                                4.Telephone Number               (alternate)         

5.Email Address                        

1. Person discriminated against (if someone other than the complainant)

   
   

   Name                                          Address                                        City, State and Zip Code                                Please explain your relationship to this person             

   
   

2. Which of the following best describes the reason you believe the discrimination took place? Was it because of your:

   
   

   a.Race/Color/Ethnicity b.National Origin  

   c. Low Income

   d. Limited English

   
   

   
   

3. What date did the alleged discrimination take place.

4. In our own words, describe the alleged discrimination. Explain what happened and whom you believe was responsible. Please use the back of this form if additional space is required.

   
   

   If you need additional space, an additional sheet is attached for that purpose.

   
   

   
   

   
   

   
   

   
   

   
   

   
   

   
   

   
   

   
   

5. Have you filed this complaint with any other federal, state, or local agency; or with any federal or state court?   Yes   No

   
   

   If yes, check all that apply:

     Federal agency    Federal court

     State agency    State court

   Local agency

   
   

6. Please provide information about a contact person at the agency/court where the complaint was filed if applicable.

Name                                          Address                                         City, State, and Zip Code                                Telephone Number                       

Please sign below. You may attach any written materials or other information that you think is relevant to your complaint.

Complainant’s Signature Date

Additional space if needed.

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APPENDIX E – LETTER OF NO COMPLAINTS‌

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APPENDIX F – PRESENTATIONS AND OUTREACH‌

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