File a Title VI Complaint

These procedures apply to Title VI complaints related to Federal Transit Administration (FTA)-funded transit services provided by or on behalf of the City of Arlington. The Transportation Department serves as the point of contact for receiving transit-related Title VI complaints and coordinates with the City’s designated Title VI Coordinator and Legal Department for investigation and resolution, as applicable.

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 meeting(s) between the affected parties and the City of Arlington may be utilized for resolution. Any individuals, groups, or entity that believes they have been subjected to discrimination prohibited under Title VI and related statutes may file a complaint.

The following measures will be taken to resolve Title VI complaints:

1. A formal complaint must be filed within 180 calendar days of the alleged occurrence. Complaints shall be in writing and signed by the individual or their representative, and will include the complainant's name, address and telephone number; name of alleged discriminating official, basis of complaint (race, color, or national origin) and the date of alleged act(s). A statement detailing the facts and circumstances of the alleged discrimination must accompany all complaints. The City of Arlington strongly encourages the use of the attached complaint form when filing official complaints. Complaints must be submitted to:

   Director of Transportation
   City of Arlington
   101 West Abram Street,
   Arlington, TX 76010
   Phone: 817-459-6686

2. In the case where a complainant is unable or incapable of providing a written statement, a verbal complaint of discrimination related to FTA-funded transit services may be made to the Director of Transportation, by calling the phone number listed above. Under these circumstances, the complainant will be interviewed, and the City of Arlington will assist the Complainant in converting the verbal allegations to writing.
3. When a complaint is received, the Director of Transportation will provide written acknowledgment to the Complainant, within ten (10) calendar days by registered mail.
4. If a complaint is deemed incomplete, additional information will be requested, and the Complainant will be provided 60 calendar days to submit the required information. Failure to do so may be considered good cause for a determination of no investigative merit.
5. Within 15 calendar days from receipt of a complete complaint, the City of Arlington Transportation Department will determine its jurisdiction in pursuing the matter and whether the complaint has sufficient merit to warrant investigation. Within five (5) calendar days of this decision, the Director of Transportation or their authorized designee will notify the Complainant and Respondent, by registered mail, informing them of the disposition.
   1. If the decision is not to investigate the complaint, the notification shall specifically state the reason for the decision.
   2. If the complaint is to be investigated, the notification shall state the grounds of the City of Arlington's jurisdiction, while informing the parties that their full cooperation will be required in gathering additional information and assisting the investigator.
6. Should the City of Arlington not have jurisdiction, the complaint will be referred to the appropriate State or Federal agency holding such jurisdiction.
7. If the complaint has investigative merit, the City of Arlington will conduct the investigation through the appropriate City departments, including Legal, or other appropriate parties, as applicable. The Transportation Director or their authorized designee will serve as the point of coordination for transit-related Title VI complaints and will ensure the findings and recommendations are documented and communicated to City leadership as appropriate.

   Investigations will be conducted in a timely manner, and reasonable efforts will be made to complete the investigation within sixty (60) calendar days from the receipt of the complaint. If additional time is required, the Complainant will be notified accordingly.

8. The City of Arlington, through the appropriate department(s), will issue letters of finding to the Complainant and Respondent within 90 calendar days from receipt of the complaint.

9. If the Complainant is dissatisfied with the City of Arlington's resolution of the complaint, they have the right to file a complaint with the:

Federal Transit Administration
Office of Civil Rights
Attention: Complaint Team
East Building, 5th Floor – TCR
1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
Washington, DC 20590

FTA Complaint procedures can also be found on the FTA web site at: www.fta.dot.gov. These procedures are also outlined in FTA Circular 4702.1B, Chapter IX.

Purpose

The City of Arlington is committed to providing meaningful opportunities for public participation in transportation-related decisions in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Federal Transit Administration (FTA) requirements. These procedures describe how the City provides notice of proposed actions, receives and considers public input, and ensures access for minority and limited English proficient (LEP) populations.

Public Notice

Public notice of proposed transportation-related actions, including service or fare changes, is provided using a variety of methods intended to reach the general public as well as minority and LEP populations. Notice methods may include the City of Arlington website, social media, printed notices on vehicles and at facilities, email notifications, and other outreach methods as appropriate. Notices are translated when necessary to ensure meaningful access for LEP populations.

Public Comment Period

A public hearing may be held when proposed actions involve fare increases, substantial service changes, or when otherwise required by FTA guidance or public interest. When held, hearings are conducted in accessible locations and accommodation is provided as necessary to ensure participation by LEP individuals and persons with disabilities.

The City of Arlington provides a public comment period of at least thirty (30) days for proposed service changes and fare increases. Public notice is provided in advance of public comment period through appropriate channels to inform the public of the proposed action and opportunities to comment. All comments received are documented and considered prior to a final decision.

Access for LEP populations

The City of Arlington provides meaningful access to public participation opportunities for LEP individuals through translated notices when appropriate, oral interpretation, bilingual staff when available, and telephonic language assistance services. Information on how to request language assistance is included in public notices.

Documentation and Consideration of Public Input

All public comments received during the comment period are documented and reviewed prior to final decision-making. Comments are considered in the evaluation of proposed actions, and a summary of public input and responses is retained as part of the project record.

Ongoing Public Engagement

In addition to formal comment periods, the City of Arlington receives public input through direct contact with staff, customer service interactions, and feedback received during service delivery. This input is considered as part of ongoing efforts to improve service and ensure equitable access.