TITLE VI NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC

Title VI Overview

You  have the right to ride without experiencing discrimination or unfair treatment. This right is protected by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits discrimination based on race, color or national origin in agencies like RFTA that receive federal financial assistance.

RFTA is committed to ensuring that no person is excluded from participation in, or denied the benefits of, its services as provided under Title VI. Any person who believes they have been excluded from participation in or denied the benefits of RFTA’s programs, activities or services due to discrimination on the basis of their race, color, or national origin should file a Title VI complaint form.

File a Title VI Complaint

You must file a written complaint within 180 days from the date of the alleged discrimination.

How to File a Complaint
There are multiple ways to file a Title VI complaint.

1. You may fill out PDFs of the Title VI form, including the steps to file a complaint, are available in English and Spanish below.
2. Should you choose to not file your complaint using the complaint form, you must submit a written statement. The written statement should include the following (at a minimum):
   • Complainant name, address, telephone number and any other contact information (email, fax, etc.)
   • The basis of the complaint (race, color, national origin)
   • Date(s) on which the alleged discriminatory event(s) occurred
   • Details of the incident(s)
   • Names and contact information of witnesses
   • Other agencies where a complaint was filed regarding the same incident(s)
3. If submitting the PDF of the complaint form or written statement, you may submit the complaint or written statement:
   • By mail to Title VI Complaints, 2307 Wulfsohn Road, Glenwood Springs, CO; 81601
   • By email to titlevi@rfta.com

Call 970-989-1189 to request additional information about RFTA’s Title VI complaint management program. You can also read RFTA’s Title VI Program Update here. 

I Filed a Title VI Complaint. What Happens Next?Federal law requires that RFTA investigate, track, and report discrimination complaints. Complaints must be filed, in writing, within 180 days from the date of the alleged discrimination. Complaints filed in writing will be investigated within thirty (30) days of submission.

RFTA will make reasonable efforts to assist persons with disabilities, non-English speakers, and others unable to file a written complaint. If you need assistance to file your complaint or need interpretation services, please contact the RFTA Title VI Compliance Officer at (970) 989-1189.

Investigating a complaint includes interviewing all parties involved and key witnesses. The Title VI Compliance Officer may request relevant information such as books, records, electronic information, and other sources of information from all involved parties. The complainant has thirty (30) days from the original complaint date to respond to RFTA’s Title VI Compliance Officer with the requested information.

If the Title VI Compliance Officer does not receive the requested information within thirty (30) days from the original complaint date, RFTA can administratively close the complaint. The complainant will be informed of the complaint closure through a registered, return receipt letter.

After the Title VI Compliance Officer reviews the complaint and any additional information, one of two letters will be issued to the complainant based on its findings:

1. Complaint Closure Letter: This letter will state that RFTA is found to be in compliance with Title VI. The letter will include an explanation of why RFTA was found to be in compliance, and provide notification of the complainant’s appeal rights.

2. Letter of Finding: This letter will state that RFTA is found to be in non-compliance with Title VI. The letter will include a summary of allegations, each violation referenced, the applicable regulations, and a brief description of proposed remedies and actions taken. If the complainant wishes to appeal the decision contained in the Letter of Finding, the complainant will have ten (10) days after receipt of the Letter of Finding to do so.

If the complainant is not satisfied with the findings and/or actions taken by RFTA, the complainant may file the complaint with the FTA’s Office of Civil Rights.

Federal Transit Administration
Office of Civil Rights
Attention: Title VI Program Coordinator
1200 New Jersey Ave., SE
Washington, DC 20590
(888) 446-4511
www.fta.dot.gov                         

These procedures do not deny the right of the complainant to file formal complaints with other state or federal agencies or to seek private counsel for complaints alleging discrimination. Every effort will be made to obtain early resolution of complaints at the lowest level possible. The option of informal mediation between the affected parties and RFTA may be utilized for resolution. Complainants may specify if there is a particular individual(s) that should not investigate your complaint due to conflict of interest or other reasons.

Federal law prohibits retaliation against individuals because they have filed a discrimination complaint of otherwise participated in a discrimination investigation. Any alleged retaliation should be reported in writing to the Title VI Compliance Officer.

Title VI Complaint to the Federal Transit Administration (FTA)
In addition to RFTA’s Title VI complaint management process, individuals or organizations may file a Title VI discrimination complaint concerning race, color or national origin with the FTA online or by mail to:

Federal Transit Administration
Office of Civil Rights
1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
Washington, DC 20590

Colorado Anti-Discrimination Act (CADA) Complaint to the Colorado Civil Rights Division (CCRD)
Individuals or groups may file a CADA complaint concerning Race, Color, National Origin, Sex, Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, Gender Expression, Ancestry, Creed, Marital Status with CCRD online or by mail to:

Colorado Civil Rights Division
Division of Civil Rights
1560 Broadway, Suite 825
Denver, CO 80202