Civil Rights: Title VI and ADA

 Wind River Transportation Authority (WRTA) is committed to providing public transportation services without discrimination. WRTA ensures compliance with both Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964—prohibiting discrimination based on race, color, or national origin—and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, which requires transit services and facilities to be accessible to persons with disabilities.

Your Rights Under Title VI and ADA

  • Title VI: No person shall, on the grounds of race, color, or national origin, be excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of, or subjected to discrimination in transit programs or activities receiving federal financial assistance.
  • ADA: Individuals with disabilities are entitled to equal access to all WRTA programs, facilities, and services, including vehicles, stops, and communications. Reasonable modifications and accessible formats are provided upon request.

Title VI (42 U.S.C. 2000d) states:

“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.”

Purpose In Public Transportation

  • Ensures that public transit systems offer equal access and service to all individuals, regardless of background.
  • Requires agencies like Wind River Transportation Authority to provide services, make decisions, and operate programs without discrimination.
  • Mandates proactive public outreach and participation, fostering transparency and accountability in decision-making.
  • Guides agencies to offer meaningful access for individuals with limited English proficiency and protect against disparate impacts.

Title VI helps guarantee that every member of the public has fair opportunities to benefit from federally funded transportation services.

WRTA ADA Information

ADA Requirements

  • The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires public transit agencies to ensure services are accessible to individuals with disabilities, including schedules, fare information, vehicle access, and digital content.
  • Digital accessibility must adhere to standards such as the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) to make online schedules, maps, and notifications usable by all.
  • All vehicles and facilities must meet federal accessibility standards for features that serve people with disabilities (e.g., lifts, ramps, audio/visual alerts).
  • Agencies must designate an ADA Coordinator to oversee compliance and assist in resolving issues.

ADA Complaint Process

  • The agency will acknowledge receipt of the complaint within 30 days and determine its jurisdiction.
  • An investigation will be completed within 30 days. If more information is required, the complainant will be contacted and given 30 days to respond.
  • After investigation, the agency will provide either:
    • A Closure Letter, if no ADA violation is found, or
    • A Letter of Finding, summarizing the outcome and corrective actions if applicable.
  • Complainants have the right to appeal decisions, typically within 10-30 days of receiving the agency’s letter.
  • Complaints, findings, and correspondence are retained in accordance with federal recordkeeping requirements.

Filing With the Federal Transit Administration

  • If dissatisfied with the agency’s response or if the complaint is not resolved, individuals may file a complaint with the FTA Office of Civil Rights within 180 days of the incident.
  • Complaints to the FTA require a description of the incident, supporting documentation, and contact information.

Accessibility Support

  • For assistance with ADA complaint procedures or to request accommodations for filing, contact our ADA Coordinator or customer service at [insert contact details].
  • Additional information can be obtained by contacting the ADA Information Line at 1-800-514-0301.

WRTA Title IV Program

Title IV: Non-Discrimination Commitment

 Wind River Transportation Authority provides public transit services without regard to race, color, or national origin, in compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 U.S.C. 2000d) and all related regulations.

Policy Statement

 The Wind River Transportation Authority, as a recipient of Federal Transit Administration (FTA) funds, complies with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, U.S. Department of Transportation regulations, FTA Circular 4702.1B, and Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT) requirements. Wind River Transportation Authority operates programs and services without discrimination on the basis of race, color, or national origin. 

Notice of Rights Under Title IV

  • Any person who believes they have been aggrieved by unlawful discrimination under Title VI may file a complaint with Wind River Transportation Authority.
  • For more information on the Title VI civil rights program, complaint procedures, or to file a complaint:
    • Contact: Milisa Palmer, Title VI Coordinator
    • Phone: (307) 856-9782
    • Email: TitleVI@WRTABusLines.com
    • Visit: 2554 Airport Road, Riverton, WY 82501
  • Forms and information are available on each WRTA vehicle, at the WRTA facility, and on the WRTA website.
  • A complaint may also be filed with:
    • WYDOT’s Office of Civil Rights (307-777-4457, DOT-civilrights@wyo.gov)
    • Federal Transit Administration, Office of Civil Rights, Director, East Building, 5th Floor–TCR, 1200 New Jersey Ave., SE, Washington, DC, 20590.

How To File A Complaint

  • Complete the WRTA Title VI Complaint Form 
  • If unable to write, contact the Title VI Coordinator for assistance.
  • Complaints must be filed within 180 days of the alleged discrimination.
  • WRTA will acknowledge and investigate complaints within 60 days.
  • Appeals may be submitted within 30 days of receiving an investigation decision.

Submit Complaints To:

Milisa Palmer, Title VI Coordinator
Wind River Transportation Authority
2554 Airport Road
Riverton, WY 82501
Phone: 307-856-9782
Email: TitleVI@fcagwy.gov

Complaints may also be filed with Wyoming DOT Office of Civil Rights or the Federal Transit Administration Office of Civil Rights.

Commitment To Public Posting

WRTA’s Title VI Notice is posted in the following locations:

  • Every agency vehicle (fixed route and demand response)
  • The main WRTA facility
  • The WRTA official website

Forms