THE TRANSPORTATION DEPARTMENT AND TRANSIT DIVISION RECOMMEND APPROVAL.
This item supports the Board's Vision and Goals for an "Efficient and Accessible Regional Intermodal Transportation Network."
In compliance with federal regulations, a public hearing will allow public comment on the Transit Division's (BCT's) 2017-2020 Title VI Program.
Under federal regulations - specifically FTA C 4702.1B, Chapter III, General Requirements and Guidelines, Section 8 - any changes to the Title VI Program must comply with the public participation requirements in Circular 4703.1, “Environmental Justice Policy Guidelines for Federal Transit Administration Recipients,” and 49 U.S.C. Sections 5307(b) (requiring projects to be developed with public participation) and 5307(c)(1) (requires a locally-developed process to consider public comment before raising a fare or carrying out a major reduction in transportation service). Public participation must include outreach, opportunity for public comment, a public hearing, and a method to engage minority, limited English proficient, and low-income populations.
In accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, FTA Circular 4702.1B, “Title VI and Title VI-Dependent Guidelines for Federal Transit Administration Recipients,” dated October 1, 2012, transit providers are required to submit Title VI program updates on a triennial basis to the FTA. BCT's Title VI 2017-2020 is attached as Exhibit 4.
The primary objectives of the FTA’s Title VI Program are to ensure, without regard to race, color, or national origin, that recipients of federal financial assistance provide the following services for all persons: plan for and operate transit services so that transit benefits and related services are made available and distributed equitably; transit services are sufficient to provide equal access and mobility; opportunities to participate in the transit planning and decision-making process; decisions on the locations of transit facilities and services are carried out equitably; and that remedial and corrective action are undertaken to prevent discriminatory treatment of any beneficiary.
As part of Broward County Transit's Title VI program, the following elements will be considered for public comment, as well as review and approval by the Board:
• Public Participation Plan
• Language Assistance Plan
• Service Standards and Policies
• Service Monitoring Report
• Major Service Change Policy
• Disparate Impact Policy
• Disproportionate Burden Policy
• Additional items as required by chapters III and IV of FTA C 4702.1B.
No fiscal impact will occur as a result of this action. However, if the federal grantee (Broward County) does not comply with mandated requirements, the grantee may be deemed deficient and any pending federal grants cannot be approved by the FTA until this deficiency is corrected.
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