Title VI Statement of Policy
The Luzerne County Transportation Authority (“The Authority”, “Authority”) is committed to a policy of non-discrimination in the conduct of its business, including its Title VI responsibilities and the delivery of equitable and accessible public transportation services. The Authority recognizes its responsibilities to the communities in which it operates, and to the society in which it serves.
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)
It is The Authority’s policy to 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 its program of transit service delivery and related benefits. Toward this end, it is The Authority’s objective to:
- Ensure that the level and quality of transportation services provided is operated 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 (LEP).
The responsibility for carrying out The Authority’s commitment to this program has been delegated to the Executive Director by the Board of Directors. The staff person designated as The Authority’s Title VI Officer is Mr. Joe Roselle, Director of Administrative Services, who is responsible for the day-today operations of The Authority’s Title VI Program and will receive and investigate Title VI complaints which come through the complaint procedure. However, all managers, supervisors and employees share in the responsibility for making The Authority’s Title VI Program a success.
The Authority provides a formal process for the investigation and resolution of any complaint that alleges exclusion or denial of benefits based on race, color or national origin.
If you feel that you are being denied participation in, or being denied benefits of public transportation services provided by The Authority, or otherwise being discriminated against because of your race, color or national origin, you may contact our office at:
Luzerne County Transportation Authority
Attn: Title VI Officer
315 Northampton St.
Kingston, PA 18704
Additional information concerning The Authority’s Title VI obligations and the complaint procedure can be obtained by calling (570) 283-1683, or by visiting our website at https://www.lctabus.com.
Title VI Complaint Policy
Who can file a complaint?
Any person who believes that they have, individually or as a member of any specific class of persons, been subjected to discrimination on the basis of race, color or national origin, may file a Title VI complaint with the Luzerne County Transportation Authority (“The Authority”, “Authority”, “LCTA”). A complaint must be filed within 180 days after the date of the alleged discrimination.
How do I file a Title VI Complaint?
If you believe you have been discriminated against, you may file a signed, written complaint within 180 days of the date of alleged discrimination. Complaints shall provide all pertinent facts and circumstances surrounding the alleged discrimination that will help The Authority reach a decision. The complaint should include the following information:
-Your name, address and contact information (i.e., telephone number, email address, etc.)
-How, when, where and why you believe you were discriminated against. Include the location, names and contact information of any witnesses.
Complaints sent to The Authority should be mailed or dropped off at the following address:
Luzerne County Transportation Authority
Attn: Title VI Officer
315 Northampton St.
Kingston, PA 18704
Printable Title VI Complaint Forms are located at the bottom of this page.
Complaint Assistance
The Authority Customer Service will assist with writing a complaint if the complainant is unable to do so.
In addition to your right to file a complaint with The Authority, you have the right to file a Title VI complaint with the U.S. Department of Transportation:
United States Department of Transportation
Federal Transit Administration
Office of Civil Rights
Attention: Complaint Team
East Building, 5th Floor – TCR
1200 New Jersey Ave., SE
Washington, DC 20590
What happens to my complaint at LCTA?
All complaints alleging discrimination based on race, color or national origin will be documented and an investigation will be initiated within 10 days of receiving the complaint. If additional information is needed, The Authority will contact the complainant or their representative in writing. The Authority will provide appropriate assistance to complainants, including those persons with disabilities, or who are limited in their ability to communicate in English. Failure of the complainant to provide the requested information by a certain date may result in the administrative closure of the complaint.
How will I be notified of the outcome?
The Authority will make every effort to respond to Title VI complaints within 90 working days of receipt. The Authority will send a final written response to the complainant and advise the complainant of his or her right to file a complaint externally. The complainant will also be advised of their right to appeal the response to federal and state authorities as appropriate.
How can I request additional information about LCTA’s Title VI obligations?
To receive additional information on The Authority’s Title VI nondiscrimination obligations, please contact The Authority’s Title VI Officer at 570.283.1683.
Limited English Proficiency (LEP) Policy and Available Resources
Notice of Availability of Free Language Assistance
The Luzerne County Transportation Authority (“The Authority”, “Authority”, “LCTA”) provides vital documents translated into languages other than English. Written translations are available as follows:
-All vital and many non-vital documents are provided in English and Spanish.
-The Title VI Complaint Form is available in other languages upon request.
-The Title VI Information and Complaint Process is available in other languages using the Google Translate widget incorporated into the top of the webpage. (A Spanish version is also readily available via web link).
-Additional vital documents readily available in other languages upon request include: LCTA Rider’s Guide, Shared Ride applications, and applications for reduced fare identification cards.
-All vital Authority documents will be provided in any language identified above upon request, The Authority may translate outreach materials and other documents for a specific event or change as necessary, as warranted by the local population affected.
Verbal interpretation for vital service information is available as follows:
- Front-line administrative and customer service representative assistance (Authority Information and Authority Customer Service,
The Authority’s Shared Ride office) is readily available in other languages upon request. - Interpretive assistance is available, upon request, through The Authority’s contract with Interpreters Unlimited, Inc.
- The Authority may offer interpretive services for a specific event as necessary, as warranted by the local population affected.
Additional Contacts
United States Department of Transportation
Federal Transit Administration
Office of Civil Rights
Attention: Complaint Team
East Building, 5th Floor – TCR
1200 New Jersey Ave., SE
Washington, DC 20590
Pennsylvania Department of Transportation
Bureau of Equal Opportunity
P.O. Box 3251
Harrisburg, PA 17105-3251
Phone: (717) 787-5891 or (800) 468-4201
Fax: (717) 772-4026
Email: penndoteoreports@pa.gov