HomeMy WebLinkAboutPR 23809: PORT ARTHUR TRANSIT'S TITLE VI APPROVAL City of Port Arthur
Transit Department
Memorandum
To: Ron Burton,City Manager
From: Ivan Mitchell,Transit-Fleet Director \l‘
Date: June 10,2024
Re: P.R.23809—Port Arthur Transit's Title VI Approval
Nature of Request: Request the City Manager to approve Port Arthur Transit's(PAT)updated policies
and procedures of the Title VI Program of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 as mandated by the Federal
Transit Administration(FTA).
Background: In compliance with the rules and regulations set forth by the Federal Transit
Administration,PAT has to update its three(3)year Title VI Program for the period of 2024—2027.
Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council approve proposed P.R. 23809 for Port
Arthur Transit's(PAT)updated policies and procedures of the Title VI Program of the Civil Rights
Act of 1964 as mandated by the Federal Transit Administration(FTA).
Budgetary/Fiscal Effect: There is no budgetary impact.
P.R.23809
6/10/2024 CN
RESOLUTION NO.
A RESOLUTION REQUESTING APPROVAL OF PORT ARTHUR TRANSIT'S
UPDATED TITLE VI PROGRAM FOR THE PERIOD OF 2024—2027 AS REQUIRED
BY THE FEDERAL TRANSIT ADMINISTRATION(FTA)REGARDING POLICIES
AND PROCEDURES AS OUTLINED IN THE CIVI L SERVICE ACT OF 1964.
WHEREAS, pursuant to the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Port Arthur Transit(PAT) is
required to submit an updated Title VI report to the Federal Transit Administration(FTA)every
three(3)years attached hereto as Exhibit"A"; and,
WHEREAS,in compliance with the rules and regulations set forth by the FTA, Port
Arthur Transit has updated its Title VI Program for the calendar years of 2024—2027.
NOW,THEREFORE,BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
11 CITY OF PORT ARTHUR:
THAT,the City Council approved the updated policies and procedures of the Title VI
Program of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 as mandated by the Federal Transit Administration
(FTA), in substantially the same form as attached hereto as Exhibit"A".
THAT,the facts and opinions in the preamble are true and correct.
THAT, a copy of the caption of this Resolution be spread upon the minutes of the City
Council.
READ,ADOPTED AND APPROVED this day of October 2024 at a Regular
Meeting of the City of Port Arthur,Texas by the following vote: AYES:
Mayor: ,
Councilmembers: ,
NOES: .
Thurman"Bill"Bartie, Mayor
ATTEST: P.R. 23809
6/10/2024 CN
Sherri Bellard, City Secretary
APP
Roxann Pais Cotroneo, City Attorney
APPROVED FOR ADMINISTRATION: APPROVED AS TO AVAILABILITY
OF FUNDS:
Ronald Burton, C Lynda Boswell
City Manager Director of Finance
li
Clifton Williams, CPPB Ivan Mitchell
Purchasing Manger Transit Director
P.R. 23809
6/10/2024 CN
Exhibit "A"
Port Arthur Transit
2024 - 2027
TITLE VI PROGRAM
TITIL-' 'No person shall, on the ground of roce,
color, or n atranol origin, be excluded from
participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be
subjected to discrimination under any progrurn
or octvity receiving rederal financtol assistance,`
PORT ARTHUR TRANSIT (PAT)
344 PROCTER STREEET
PORT ARTHUR, TEXAS 77640
(409) 983-8767
Table of Contents
Introduction
Policy Statement
Compliant Procedures
Compliant Form Procedures
Non-Discrimination Statement
Compliant Form
Investigation
LEP Plan
Language Assistance Plan
Four Factor Analysis
Staff Training
Safe Harbor
Monitoring
Service Standard & Policies
Vehicle Assignment
Public Participation Plan
PPP General Information
Public Outreach
Know Your Rights
Introduction
In compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Port Arthur Transit (PAT)
provides public transportation without regard to race, color, or national origin. Title VI of
the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits discrimination based on race, color, or national
origin in programs receiving federal financial assistance.
t.
: V
Pr-
4_
x
.,,, ,„ ,. ,.,,,...,__ ,,,,„,„,„...„,„...3,. ....
1 I I1
_ , ,„,,,,y,,,,,,::, 7,r-7,-- ...-.,.' -, 0.- - - • z-.,,-.7,-.:---,--......-;'...7P--:i".,- . .--''„,,j r.-:-A-',..4r.:s.',---
V - ‘
,.
;/"
r
%j
Policy Statement
As a major provider of public transportation in Port Arthur, Texas, Port Arthur Transit
(PAT)recognizes its responsibility to the community it serves and is committed to a policy
of nondiscrimination.
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 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" (42 U.S.C. Section 2000d).
Anyone who believes they have been subject to an unlawful discriminatory practice by PAT
has the right to file a complaint. Formal complaints should be in writing and mailed to 344
Procter Street, Port Arthur, Texas 77640.
The following practices are hereby prohibited by PAT in accordance with Title VI requirements:
1. Denying an individual any standard service, or other program benefits without a good
cause.
2. Subjecting a person to segregation or separate treatment.
3. Restrictions in the enjoyment of any advantages, privileges, or other benefits enjoyed
by others.
4. Different standards, criteria, or other requirements for admission, enrollment, or
participation in planning, advisory, contractual or other integral activities.
I
Description of Service
The City of Port Arthur Transit Department or PAT as it is locally known, began operating
in April 1978 and has since provided service to the citizens of Port Arthur located in Jefferson
County, Texas. PAT serves a community that is diverse in age, demographics, and socio-
economic status. PAT's service area covers a majority of the City limit with the exception of
sparsely populated outlying areas. PAT operates fixed-route and paratransit service six days
a week beginning at 6:15am until 7:15pm; the average fare is $1.50.
PAT does not provide funding to subrecipients.
Title VI Complaint Procedures
Port Arthur Transit(PAT)has a standard process for investigating all complaints.Anyone
who believes they have been subject to an unlawful discriminatory practice by PAT has
the right to file a complaint with PAT.
Anyone who has a discrimination complaint should contact PAT at(409)983-8728 or can
submit a formal complaint to the address below. Upon completion of the investigation
PAT will contact the complainant by certified mail no less thirty (30) working days in
response to the alleged offense. Anyone may file a signed, written complaint within 180
days from the date of the alleged discrimination. At a minimum, the complaint should
include the following information:
1. Name, mailing address, and contact information (i.e., telephone number.
email address, etc); and,
2. How,when,where and why complainant alleges they were discriminated
against; and,
3. Names and contact information of any witnesses;and,
4. Any other significant information.
Formal complaints should be mailed to PAT at the following address:
Port Arthur Transit
344 Procter Street
Port Arthur, Texas 77640
Procedures and a standard form for filing a complaint for investigating are delineated in
Exhibit A.
4
4
Port Arthur Transit
Title VI Compliant Form (Exhibit "A")
Port Arthur Transit(PAT) is committed to ensuring that no person is excluded from participation
in, or denied the basis of race, color,or national origin as provided by Title VI of the Civil Rights
ACT of 1964. Title VI complaints must be filed within 180 days from the date of the alleged
discrimination.
The following information is necessary to assist PAT in processing your compliant. If you require
any assistance completing this form, please contact PAT at (409) 983-8728. You should include
specific details such as names, dates, time, routes numbers, witnesses, and any other information
that would assist. The completed form must be returned to:
Port Arthur Transit
344 Procter Street
Port Arthur, Texas 77640
Name:
Phone: (Cell) (Alternate Phone)
Address:
Person(s)discriminated against:
Name of person(s)witness to discrimination:
Complaint Address:
City, State, &Zip Code:
Date:
Time (Estimate):
Which of the following best describes the reason of the alleged
discrimination?
❑ Race/Color
❑National Origin
❑ Refused Access to ride
❑ Disability
❑ Other
Are you filing this complaint on your own behalf?
Yes No
If not, please supply the name and relationship of the person for whom you are complaining:
Please explain why you have filed for a third party.
Have you previously filed a Title VI complaint with Port Arthur Transit?
Yes No
Have you filed this complaint with any of the following agencies? Transit
Provider U.S. Department of Transportation Department of Justice
Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
Other:
Have you filed a lawsuit regarding this complaint?
Yes No If yes,please provided a copy of the complaint form.
Name of organization or agency complaint is against:
Contact person: Title:
Telephone number:
Please sign here:
Date:
Title VI Complaint Form (continued)
Please describe your complaint. You should include specific details such as names, dates,times,
route numbers, witnesses, and any other information that would assist us in our investigation of
your allegations. Please also provide any other documentation that is relevant to this complaint.
Title VI Investigations,Complaints,or Lawsuits
PAT has not received any formal Title VI complaints during the current reporting period,nor
have there been any transit related investigations, lawsuits, or complaints against PAT that allege
discrimination based on race, color, or national origin.
Notification of Port Arthur Transit Title VI Obligations
PAT's Title VI public notice is posted on all buses and around its various facilities. The public
notice is also included on PAT's website. If you feel you have been discriminated against and
wish to request information on how to file a formal complaint,you may do so by contacting PAT
at(409) 983-8767, or in writing to:
A. Port Arthur Transit, 344 Procter Street, Port Arthur,TX 77640;
or
B. Texas Department of Transportation, Attn: TxDOT-PTN, 125 E. 11th Street,Austin, TX
78701-2483;
or
C. Federal Transit Administration, Region VI, 819 Taylor Street, Room 8A36,Fort Worth,
TX 76102 or Federal Transit Administration Office of Civil Rights,Attention: Title VI
Program Coordinator, East Building, 5th Floor-TCR, 1200 New Jersey Ave., SE,
Washington, DC 20590.
Port Arthur Transit will respond and acknowledge receipt of your complaint at which time a
formal investigation will begin.
Per the Master Grant agreement,the agency is required to notify their PTC by email or fax of
any Title VI-related complaints received within 10 working days of the receipt of the complaint,
including a paper or electronic copy of the complaint form.
If information is needed in another language, contact 409-983-8767.
Para obtener mas informacion sobre el programa de derechos civiles del PAT, y los
procedimientos para presentar una queja. contacte a 409-983-8767.
I
II
I
i
i
THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK
PORT ARTHUR TRANSIT (PAT)
I
Port Arthur Transit (PAT) Limited English Proficiency (LEP) Policy
Per the Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VI),the U.S. Department of Transportation
(DOT) implementing regulations,and Executive Order 13166 "Improving Access to Services for
Persons with Limited English Proficiency (65 FR 50121,Aug. 11, 2000)", PAT is federally
mandated to develop and implement a Language Assistance Plan by which Limited English
Proficiency(LEP)persons can meaningfully access translations of written and oral information.
As PAT is a Federal Transit Administration(FTA)recipient receiving federal financial .
assistance, it must take reasonable steps to ensure meaningful access to the benefits, services,
information, and other important portions of their programs and activities for LEP persons.
An LEP person is defined as in individual limited by the ability to speak English less than"very
well"or"not at all"as reported by the U.S. Census Bureau(Census). PAT shall base
"meaningful access" on the following"Four-Factor Analysis"provided in the DOT LEP
Guidance Handbook:
1. The number and proportion of LEP persons served or encountered in the eligible
service population.
2. The nature and importance of the program, activity, or service.
3. The costs of implementation and the resources available.
4. The frequency with which LEP individuals come into contact with PAT's
programs, activities, and services.
Within PAT's service area,the following Census table represents LEP persons by language
group and the percentage of LEP persons in"Port Arthur City,Texas"who meet the Department
of Justice(DOJ) Safe Harbor provision of"every 1,000 speakers or five percent of the
population whichever is less." Under the Safe Harbor provision, Spanish and Vietnamese are
found to be spoken within PAT's service area.
Language Total Number of Percent of Total Speaks English Less
Speakers Population (Age 5+) than"Very Well" ,
Population 5 years
and over 51,440 X 43,247
Speak only English 33,327 64.8% X
Speak Spanish 15,093 29.3% 8,281
Speak other Indo-
European languages 856 1.7% 594
Speak Asian and
Pacific Island
languages 2.146 4.2% 1,027
Speak other
languages 18 0.0% 18
Source:U.S.Census Bureau,2015-2019 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates;Table ID:S1601;Dataset:ACSST5Y2022.
The Safe Harbor provision states, "if a recipient provides written translation of vital documents
for each eligible LEP language group that constitutes five percent(5%)or 1,000 persons,
whichever is less, of the total population of persons eligible to be served or likely to be affected
or encountered,then such action will be considered strong evidence of compliance with the
recipient's written translation obligations. Translation of non-vital documents, if needed, can be
provided orally."' PAT has an obligation to provide oral language assistance regardless of the
number or percentage of persons who comprise a specific language group at a site or in the
service area. The degree to which PAT provides oral language assistance will depend on the
nature and importance of the activity. If there are fewer than 50 persons in a language group that
reaches the five percent(5%)trigger,the recipient is not required to translate vital written
materials but should provide written notice in the primary language of the LEP group of the right
to receive competent oral interpretation of those written materials, free of cost.
In 2017, PAT summarized results from an operator administered survey to determine the number
of LEP persons that come into contact with PAT services. Based on data collected in the 2017
survey, a significant number of passengers indicated Spanish as their primary language and only
a few indicated Vietnamese. Spanish has been identified as the most common LEP language to
be encountered while Vietnamese is minimal. Based on the Census findings and survey results
PAT provides written translation of several vital documents in Spanish.
Language Assistance Plan
Under the LEP Policy,the Language Assistance Plan contains a list of implementation
procedures and measures to effectively communicate with LEP persons.
Procedures to Identify an LEP Person in Need of Language Assistance
PAT shall perform a language needs assessment to determine the language demographics of its
service area using one or more of the following methods:
1. Analyze updated census data to identify the percentage of LEP persons by census
tract.
2. Utilize ridership surveys from transit planning or marketing studies to identify the
percent of PAT riders that are LEP persons.
3. Examine records to see if requests for language assistance have been received in the
past and if so,for what language.
FTA Circular, 4702.1 B, Chap. III-9
4. Survey frontline staff such as drivers,call center representatives, and receptionist on
their experience concerning any contacts with LEP persons during the previous year.
Language Assistance Measures
1. PAT's Dispatching Office shall request the assistance of trained interpreters to
provide translation for the LEP identified languages upon request.
2. PAT shall have language identification flashcards available at the front reception and
at public meetings where information is distributed.
3. Public meeting announcements posted on PAT's website shall be available in English
and LEP identified languages.
Outreach Techniques
If the percentage of LEP persons in a particular census tract is significant or if the ridership
surveys show a significant percentage of PAT's riders are LEP persons,PAT will identify the
primary language(s)of those individuals potentially impacted and implement the following
steps:
1. Instructional and informational rider materials i.e. fare charts and some passenger
notices shall be available in English and in the potentially impacted LEP identified
languages within affected sub-regions of PAT's service area.
2. All public hearing notices shall be published in an English language newspaper and
the LEP identified language newspaper, if available.
3. All public hearing notices shall contain the following verbiage in English and the
LEP identified languages.
4. Comments regarding the proposal may be submitted by phone at(409)983-8767,
email at transit@portarthurtx.gov, or via standard mail to 344 Procter Street, Port
Arthur, TX 77640.
5. General notices stating that language translation assistance is available for LEP
identified languages shall be posted on PAT public meeting agendas and at public
meeting spaces at the PAT administration office.
6. All customer surveys shall be available in English and in the potentially impacted
LEP identified languages within specific sub-regions of PAT's service area.
7. All Title VI complaint forms shall be available in English and the LEP identified
languages.
8. Continue, distribution of posters and brochures informing citizens of their rights
under Title VI.
9. PAT's first line of communication with LEP persons is with the drivers. There is
ongoing training with drivers and other personnel that allows open dialogue with
those LEP persons (all fixed-route and Paratransit operators are provided a handbook
to assist with Spanish).
10. We will provide free language assistance to the LEP identified individuals for the
paratransit eligibility application and interview, recertification and health and safety
related issues.
Staff Training
The following training shall be provided to PAT staff:
1. Information on PAT Title VI Policy and LEP responsibilities.
2. Information on the Title VI complaint forms and procedures.
3. Description of language assistance services offered to the public.
4. Use of language identification flashcards.
The training seeks to make all employees aware of the following:
1. PAT's obligation to provide meaningful access to LEP individuals.
2. LEP policies and procedures.
3. Protocol in responding to LEP callers,written communications from and in-person
contact with LEP individuals.
Monitoring and Updating the LEP Policy and Language Assistance Plan
The LEP Policy and Language Assistance Plan are designed to be flexible to the needs of the
public. On an annual basis, PAT staff shall evaluate the LEP Policy and Language Assistance
Plan and, if applicable,propose revisions based on input from the following sources:
1. Surveys and studies.
2. Formal comments from the public.
3. Feedback from Council members, customers, community members and PAT staff.
4. Input and recommendations from federal and state officials.
5. Changes in regulations.
Additionally, updates may be warranted within the following areas based on monitoring
activities:
1. The number of documented LEP persons based on Census or customer survey data.
2. How the needs of the LEP population have been addressed.
3. Determination of the current LEP population within PAT's service area.
4. Determination if the need for translation services has changed.
5. Determine whether local language assistance programs have been effective and
sufficient to meet the need.
6. Determine whether financial resources are sufficient to fund language assistance
resources needed.
7. Determine whether complaints have been received concerning PAT's failure to meet
the needs of LEP individuals.
Vital Documents
Applications,
Consent and complaint forms,
Notices of rights and disciplinary
Letters or notices that require
response from client.
Dissemination of the LEP Policy and Language Assistance Plan
PAT's LEP Policy and will be available on PAT's website at www.portarthurtx.gov.
Alternatively, any person may request a copy of the plan via telephone, mail, or in-person at the
PAT administrative office. In addition, LEP individuals may request translated copies of
documents in an LEP identified language.
Questions or comments regarding the LEP Policy and Language Assistance Plan may be
submitted to PAT's administrative office, as follows:
Port Arthur Transit
344 Procter Street
Port Arthur, TX 77640
(409) 987-8767 (phone)
Email: transit@portarthurtx.gov
4
Transit Service Standards and Policies
Port Arthur Transit (PAT) establishes transit service standards and policies in compliance with
applicable federal requirements(Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964,49 CFR Section 21 and
FTA Circular 4702. 1B).
The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) requires recipients of FTA funding to establish and
monitor system-wide service standards and policies for each specific fixed route mode of service.
These standards and policies must address how service is distributed across the transit system,
and must ensure that the manner of the distribution affords users access to these assets.
Quantitative service standards must be set for:
1. Vehicle Load Factor: the ratio of passengers to the total number of seats on a vehicle.
2. Vehicle Headway: the amount of time between two vehicles traveling in the same
direction on a given route or combination of routes.
3. On-time performance:the percentage of run (trips)that are completed"on-time,"
based on the system's definition.
4. Service availability distribution of routes within the service area, as:
i. Maximum distance between bus stops or
ii. Percent of residents in the service area within '/4-mile walk to a stop.
Recipients are also required to adopt service policies to ensure that service design and operations
practices do not result in discrimination on the basis of race,color,or national origin. Policies do
not have to be based on quantitative thresholds. Service policies must be set for:
1. Distribution of transit amenities for each mode such as seating, shelters, information
signs,waste receptacles.
2. Vehicle assignment for each mode: defining the process by which transit vehicles are
placed into service on routes; may be based on the vehicles age.
PAT Fixed Route Modes
The FTA requires recipients of FTA funding to establish and monitor system-wide service
standards and policies for each specific fixed route mode of service. For PAT,fixed route modes
are:
1. Motor Bus/Direct Operations(MB DO): fixed route bus service operated by PAT
To assess the performance and adequacy of the current public transportation system and guide
the formulation of route improvement proposals, it is necessary to establish a set of transit
c!'
performance criteria. These are used to assess the present bus service. These criteria will also
become the basis for formulating route improvement proposals to bridge the gap between actual
and desired performance. This report outlines standards for PAT's fixed route bus system.
1. Vehicle Load Factors - To ensure that most passengers will be provided a seat on a
PAT bus for at least a major portion of the trip, loading standards must be established
and schedules devised that reflect passenger volumes. This standard measures as the
ratio of passengers on board to the seated bus capacity expressed as a percent. Values
of 100 percent or less indicate all riders are provided a seated ride while values of more
than 100 percent denote standees. Loading standards indicate the degree of crowding
(i.e. standees)which is acceptable,with consideration given to both the type of service
and the operating period. Acceptable loading factors are as follows:
Maximum Load Factor(Percent of Seats)
Service Type Peak Ofl-Peal:
Local Fixed Route 125% 125%
2. Vehicle Headways-In general, frequencies or"headways"(the time between one bus
and the next at the same location in the same direction) are established to provide
enough vehicles past the maximum load point(s) on a route to accommodate the
passenger volume and stay within the recommended load factor standards. If passenger
loads are so light that an excessive time is needed between vehicles to meet loading
standards,then headways should be set on the basis of policy considerations.
Maximum Policy Headway
Weekdays
Service Type AM Peak Mid-Day Evening Peak
6AM-9AM 9AM - 3PM 3PM - 7:15PN1
1111
Local Fixed Routes 60 60 60
As with all standards,this headway matrix should be considered a guide, not an absolute
measure.
3. On-Time Performance-To ensure that transit riders have confidence the service will
perform reliably in accordance with the public timetables prepared and distributed by
PAT, on-time performance standards have been established.
4. A vehicle is considered "on-time" when its departure is from zero to five (5) minutes
after the scheduled departure time.
5. A vehicle is considered "late" when it departs more than five (5) minute after the
scheduled departure time.
I
6. A vehicle which departs more than one (1) minute before its scheduled departure time
is considered to be early.
The standard for PAT schedule adherence for fixed route is established at eighty
percent(80%)being on-time.
7. Service Availability(Bus Stop Spacing)—A major influence on the proximity of transit
service is the bus stop spacing along bus routes. Bus stop spacing must provide the
shortest walking distance to the bus for as many passengers as possible while allowing
for an efficient running speed. Therefore, a bus stop spacing standard must consider
the density of the service area and the characteristics of the land uses served.
Port Arthur Transit provides local service only. For Local services, stop spacing from
1,000 feet up 1,300 feet(1/4-mile) is desirable. Local stops on major arterial streets risk
introducing unnecessary delay if stops are spaced closer than 1,000 feet. Existing stops
with continuously low usage will be subject to review for consolidation with other stops
or removal to increase service speed and reliability.
PAT Service Polices—Fixed Route
1. Distribution of Transit Amenities Policies (bus shelters and bus stops)
i. Bus Shelters— PAT does not have high ridership at any specific bus stops. The bus
stop placement will be based on areas that serve concentrations of elderly residents
or persons with disabilities, provided there is sufficient right-of-way available to
install the shelter.
ii. Bus Benches—PAT does not have high ridership at any specific bus stops. The bus
stop placement will be based on areas that serve concentrations of elderly residents
or persons with disabilities, provided there is sufficient right-of-way available to
install the shelter.
8. Vehicle Assignment Policy
i. Fixed route vehicles will be assigned to individual routes based on vehicle mileage,
route requirements,high wheelchair usage,high ridership and service area. PAT will
ensure that the average age of fixed routes vehicles assigned to revenue service will
remain consistent throughout the service area.
THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK
General Information Public Participation Plan
The FTA and TxDOT mandate public involvement to guide decisions in providing public
transportation services. Public involvement also directs the development of services that meet
the local community.
The Public Participation Plan(PPP) is a guide for PAT's ongoing public participation efforts. Its
purpose is to ensure that PAT utilizes effective means of providing information and receiving
public input on transportation decisions from low income, minority and Limited English
Proficient (LEP) populations, as required by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and its
implementing regulations. Transit Operations must take reasonable steps to ensure that limited
English Proficient(LEP)persons have meaningful access to their programs and activities.
The public involvement is necessary prior to raising fares, implementing major service
reductions, or applying for grants/loans to finance transportation improvement projects.
Public Participation/Engagement
Subrecipients have wide latitude to determine how, and when specific public participation
activities should take place, and which specific measures are most appropriate.
Public Meetings
Meetings that are open to the public include, customer information meetings, advisory board
meetings, public hearings, and City Council meetings. Notices for upcoming meeting are on
www.portarthurtx.gov.
Public Studies
As per requirements of 49 U.S.C. Sections 5307(b) and 5307(c)(I) PAT will develop and/or
consider a process to study public comment before raising a fare or carrying out a major reduction
in transportation services.
Efforts to involve minority and LEP populations can include booth comprehensive measures as
well as targeted measures to address linguistic, institutional, religious, cultural, economic,
historical, or other barriers that may prevent minority and LEP persons from effectively
participating in a subrecipient's decision-making process.
Type of Public Involvement
It is important to involve as many individuals as possible in order to gain the support and
development of public transportation.
• Potential and current riders
• Non-riders
• Business and community leaders/groups
• Government officials
• City Council and other City Departments
• Faith based community
• Academia and educational institutions
• Medical facilities/long term care centers
• Social Service Agencies
• Veterans
• Local Media(Radio, Print and Television)
• Outreach to minority, LEP and other historically underserved populations
4
Title VI Notice to the Public
Port Arthur Transit(PAT)
The Port Arthur Transit(PAT)operates its programs and services without regard to race,color,or national
origin in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.Any person who believes she or he has
been aggrieved by any unlawful discriminatory practice under Title VI may file a complaint with the PAT.
For more information on PAT's civil rights program,and the procedures to file a complaint,contact Transit
Management team Craty Nellison @ 409-983-8728; email transit@portarthurtx.gov; or visit our
administrative office at 344 Procter Street, Port Arthur, TX 77640. For more information, visit
www.portarthurtx.gov/201/Transit-Department
A complainant may file a complaint directly with the PAT,Texas Department of Transportation(TxDOT)
or the Federal Transit Administration(FTA)by filing a complaint directly with the corresponding offices:
A. Port Arthur Transit, 344 Procter Street, Port Arthur, TX 77640.
or
B. Texas Department of Transportation,Attn: TxDOT-PTN, 125 E. 11th Street,Austin, TX
78701-2483.
or
C. Federal Transit Administration,Region VI, 819 Taylor Street, Room 8A36, Fort Worth,
TX 76102 or Federal Transit Administration Office of Civil Rights, Attention: Title VI
Program Coordinator, East Building, 5th Floor-TCR, 1200 New Jersey Ave., SE,
Washington, DC 20590.
If information is needed in another language,contact 409-983-8767.
Para informacion en espanol flame: 409-983-8767.
MEMBERSHIP OF NON-ELECTED COMMITTEES AND COUNCILS
i
Port Arthur Transit (PAT) does not have a non-elected transit related committee or council.
4
I