Read Your Rights Under The Title VI Policy

Your Rights Under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 

"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. 2000d)

This information is designed to assist you to understand your rights under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

What is Title VI? 

Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 is the Federal Law that protects individuals and groups from discrimination on the basis of their race, color, and national origin in programs and activities that receive Federal financial assistance. However, USDOT's reference to Title VI includes other Civil Rights provisions of Federal statutes and related authorities to the extent that they prohibit discrimination in programs and activities receiving Federal financial assistance.

Title VI Policy 

Pursuant to Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Restoration Act of 1987 and other nondiscrimination authorities, it is the policy of CTtransit that discrimination on the ground of race, color, national origin, disability/handicap, sex, age, or income status shall not occur in connection with programs or activities receiving financial assistance from the USDOT.

CTtransit will ensure that no person in the United States shall, on the grounds of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be otherwise subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance from the USDOT.

Title VI Compliance 

Title VI compliance is a situation where a recipient has effectively implemented all the Title VI requirements or can demonstrate that every good faith effort has been made toward achieving this end.

USDOT Recipient 

A USDOT Federal aid recipient is any State, territory, possession, political subdivision, instrumentality, public or private agency, organization, entity or individual to whom USDOT assistance is extended either directly or through another recipient.

Programs Covered

Federally assisted programs include any USDOT Project, program or activity for the provision of services, financial aid, and other benefits. This includes education or training, work opportunities, health, welfare, rehabilitation, housing or other services, whether provided directly by the recipient or other agents, through contracts or other arrangements with the recipient.

What discrimination is prohibited by the CTtransit Title VI Program? 

Discrimination under our Title VI program is an act (action or inaction) whether intentional or unintentional, through which a person or group, solely because of race, color, national origin, disability/handicap, sex, age, or income status has been otherwise subjected to unequal treatment or impact, under any program or activity receiving financial assistance from USDOT.

In operating USDOT assisted programs, a recipient cannot discriminate either directly or through contractual or other means by:

  • Denying programs services, financial aids, or other benefits;
  • Providing different program services, financial aids or other benefits, or providing them in manner different from that provided to others;
  • Segregating or separately treating individuals or groups in any matter related to the receipt of any program service, financial aid or benefit;
  • Restricting in any way the enjoyment of any advantage or privilege enjoyed by others receiving any program service, financial aid or other benefits;
  • Denying person(s) the opportunity to participate as a member of a planning, advisory or similar body;
  • Denying person(s) the opportunity to participate in the program through the provision of services, or affording the opportunity to do so differently from those afforded others.
  • If you believe that a Federal Transit Administration (FTA) recipient has retaliated against you, immediately contact the FTA to investigate your allegation. Filing a complaint does not prevent an individual or group from seeking remedy through other sources.

Who may file a Title VI complaint? 

A complaint may be filed by any individual or group that believes that they have been subjected to discrimination or retaliation based on their race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability/handicap and/or income level. The complaint may be filed by the affected party or a representative, and must be in writing.

What information do I include in my complaint? 

A signed, written complaint should be filed within 180 days of the date of the alleged discrimination, including:

  • Your name, address and telephone number. If you are filing on behalf of another person, include their name, address, telephone number and your relation to that person.
  • The name and address of the agency, firm or department you believe discriminated against you.
  • Your signature.
  • A description of how, why, and when you believe you were discriminated against. Include as much background information as possible about the alleged acts.
  • The names of individuals whom you allege discriminated against you if you know them.
  • The names of any persons, if known, that can be contacted for additional information to support or clarify your allegations.

How can I file a discrimination complaint? 

If you believe that a USDOT recipient has discriminated against you or others protected by Title VI, you may file a complaint. Complaints may be filed with the following persons:

General Manager
CTtransit
100 Leibert Road 
P. O. Box 66
Hartford, CT 06141-0066

860-525-9181

Division of Contract Compliance
Title VI Coordinator
Connecticut Department of Transportation
2800 Berlin Turnpike
Newington, CT 06111


Office of Civil Rights
Title VI Program Coordinator
Federal Transit Administration
East Building, 5th Floor, TCR
1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
Washington, DC 20590

Public Backed Service Expansions Now Underway!

New Bus Routes Available in New Britain, Berlin, Meriden, Plainville, Southington, and Stamford

When the public talks, CT transit listens.

In March of this year, the Connecticut Department of Transportation implemented new bus routes, now serving communities in New Britain, Berlin, Meriden, Plainville, Southington, and Stamford. These new bus routes will bolster connectivity and amplify coverage throughout central Connecticut.

“Public transit is more than just a mode of transportation; it is a lifeline that connects individuals to career opportunities, businesses to customers, and communities to growth,” said General Manager of CT transit, Thomas Stringer. “A robust public transportation system is essential for driving economic impact and supporting local businesses.”

But wait, there’s more!

This service expansion is just the beginning of a series of upcoming expansions, totaling more than $18 million, proposed by Governor Ned Lamont and supported by local legislature. These new routes will provide greater access to a broader range of employment centers and career opportunities across the region, ultimately enhancing residents' career prospects and improving their quality of life.

 

“This major bus service expansion is the latest effort to connect customers with critical jobs, housing, and services while expanding opportunities for Transit Oriented Development (TOD)—allowing people to live and commute with ease,” said Connecticut Department of Transportation Deputy Commissioner Karen Kitsis. “CTDOT is grateful for the support of Governor Ned Lamont and the Connecticut General Assembly, which responded to customer needs by investing in the expansion of our transit system.”

These new routes were, in part, discovered through feedback from community members, frontline transit workers, and key government officials.

Public Service by the Numbers:

  • 4,300 community members surveyed online
  • 36 community events across Connecticut
  • 29 interviews with transit providers, councils of government, and transit district reps
  • 10 customer focus groups

CTDOT’s Customer Experience (CX) Action Plan team gathered this wealth of responses. Based on insights from those we serve, they lead the initiative to develop public transportation innovations throughout the state. This energized team will continue responding to the needs of the people—the customers and supporters of public transit—and propose new paths forward.

 

Pictured left to right: Samaia Hernandez, Alicia Leite, Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz, Lisa Rivers, and Karen Kitsis.

“As Connecticut works to be a leader in delivering major new transit investments, including CTfastrak and CTrail Hartford Line, we recognize the support and input of our transit providers and customers across Connecticut,” said Connecticut Department of Transportation Public Transportation Bureau Chief Benjamin Limmer. “We look forward to launching new transportation services in communities across Connecticut in the months ahead.” 

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