FTA Title VI Program Summary

The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), as a Federal Transit Administration (FTA) designated recipient, is required to prepare a Title VI Program that meets the precepts outlined in FTA Circular 4702.1B. The Division of Mass Transportation (DMT) is the Division that has the lead responsibility for administering the FTA Program in Caltrans.

Title VI prohibits recipients of Federal financial assistance from discriminating on the basis of race, color, or national origin, in their programs and activities, and it obligates Federal funding agencies to enforce compliance. The program objectives are:

1. Ensure that the level and quality of public transportation service is provided in a nondiscriminatory manner.
2. Promote full and fair participation in public transportation decision-making without regard to race, color, or national origin; and
3. Ensure meaningful access to transit-related programs and activities by persons with limited English proficiency (LEP).

Section 601 of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 states:

“No person in the United States shall, on the ground of race, color, or national origin, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefit of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.”

Caltrans is committed to ensuring all persons have equal access to its projects, programs, and activities. Discrimination on the basis of race, color, or national origin will not be tolerated at any time. This document establishes the framework to ensure that Caltrans is compliant with Title VI.

Reporting Requirements

Recipients must submit a Title VI plan every three years.

Title VI Complaints Processed Under the Federal Transit Administration (FTA)

Title VI complaints filed with Caltrans in which Caltrans is named as the Respondent will be investigated by Caltrans. Per FTA, Title VI complaints are to be handled at the local level or elevated to FTA under egregious Title VI discriminatory circumstances. The Complainant will receive an acknowledgement letter informing them that the complaint has been received and whether the complaint will be investigated by Caltrans or forwarded to FTA.
Title VI complaints filed with Caltrans against a sub-recipient will be investigated by Caltrans. If the complaint is filed with the sub-recipient, the sub-recipient is responsible for investigating the complaint in accordance with FTA Circular 4702.1B, Title VI Requirements and Guidelines for Federal Transit Administration Recipients.

FTA – Filing a Local Complaint

FTA recommends, but does not require, that individuals first file a complaint directly with their transit provider to give the provider an opportunity to resolve the situation. FTA grantees are required under the ADA, Title VI, and EEO to have local complaint procedures.

A person may also file a complaint directly with:

Federal Transit Administration
Civil Rights Division
Attention: Complaint Team
East Building, 5th Floor – TCR
1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
Washington, DC 20590