CIVIL RIGHTS
Understanding Title VI
Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VI) is a federal statute and provides 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 any program or activity receiving federal financial assistance. Title VI prohibits recipients of federal financial assistance from discriminating on the basis of race, color, or national origin in their programs or activities, and it obligates federal funding agencies to enforce compliance.
As a transit provider, PARTA receives federal financial assistance through the Federal Transit Administration (FTA). As such, PARTA is subject to Title VI and implementing regulations issued by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). It is PARTA’s policy to ensure its transit programs and activities comply with Title VI, and has established this program in order to:
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Ensure that the level and quality of public transportation service is provided in a nondiscriminatory manner;
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Promote full and fair participation in public transportation decision-making without regard to race, color, or national origin;
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Ensure meaningful access to transit-related programs and activities by persons with Limited English proficiency (LEP).
For more information about your Title VI rights, contact PARTA's Title VI administrator Denise Baba by phone at 330-678-7745 or by email at dbaba@partaonline.org.
How to File a Title VI Complaint
If you believe you have been discriminated against with regard to accessing PARTA service based on one of the above characteristics, you have the right to file a complaint. You may file a complaint...
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In-person at PARTA's administrative offices located at 2000 Summit Rd., in Kent, Ohio.
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By calling PARTA's Title VI administrator at 330-678-7745 or dialing PARTA's Customer Service phone line 1-877-RIDE-PARTA.
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By downloading and completing PARTA's Title VI Complaint Form and mailing it to PARTA, Attn: Denise Baba, 2000 Summit Rd., Kent, OH 44240; faxing the form to PARTA at 330-676-6310; or sending it by email to CustService@partaonline.org or dbaba@partaonline.org.
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By completing the online Title VI Complaint Form below
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By filing directly with the Department of Transportation by contacting: U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Transit Administration, 1200 New Jersey Ave. S.E., Washington, D.C. 20590, 866-377-8642, 800-877-8339 (TTY).
It is PARTA‘s policy to assure equal employment opportunity for employees and job applicants in all employment processes, including recruitment, selection, promotions, terminations, transfers, layoffs, compensation, training, benefits, and other terms and conditions of employment, without unlawful regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, genetic information, or any other basis prohibited by statute. Further, PARTA is committed to complying with Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act and prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability. PARTA will make accommodations that are reasonable and not unduly burdensome to enable qualified applicants and employees to participate in the employment process and perform essential job functions.
Job applicants and employees who believe they have been a victim of discrimination have the right to file a complaint with PARTA EEO Officer Denise Baba by calling 330.678.7745 or emailing dbaba@partaonline.org.
Other concerns regarding PARTA's EEO Program may be directed to Chief of Staff Kelly Jurisch by calling 330.678.7745 or emailing jurisch.k88@partaonline.org.
Equal Employment Opportunity Policy
Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE)
Written DBE programs are required for FTA recipients of planning, capital, and/or operating assistance that will have contracting opportunities (excluding transit vehicle purchases) exceeding $250,000 with those funds in a federal fiscal year. It is PARTA’s policy to maintain an FTA-approved DBE program to ensure compliance with 49 CFR Part 26, “Participation by Disadvantaged Business Enterprises in Department of Transportation Financial Assistance Programs.” The purpose of PARTA’s DBE program is to ensure nondiscrimination in the award and administration of DOT-assisted contracts and to create a level playing field on which DBEs can compete fairly for DOT-assisted contracts.