About Title VI

In compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, PSTA prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, age, or national origin in programs and activities receiving Federal financial assistance. Specifically, Title VI provides that “no person in the United States shall, on the ground of race, color, or national origin, be excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.” (42 U.S.C. Section 2000d)

The Environmental Justice component of Title VI guarantees fair treatment for all people and provides for PSTA to identify and address, as appropriate, disproportionately high and adverse effects of its programs, policies, and activities on minority and low-income populations, such as undertaking reasonable steps to ensure that Limited English Proficiency (LEP) persons have meaningful access to the programs, services, and information PSTA provides.

Environmental Justice Principles are:

1. To avoid, minimize, or mitigate disproportionately high and adverse human health and environmental effects, — including social and economic effects,— on minority populations and low-income populations;
2. To ensure the full and fair participation by all potentially affected communities in the transportation decision-making process;
3. To prevent the denial of, reduction in, or significant delay in the receipt of benefits by minority and low-income populations

Trish Collins, PSTA’s Human Resources Director, has been designated as PSTA’s Civil Rights Officer, responsible for civil rights compliance and monitoring to ensure non-discriminatory provision of transit services and programs. In addition, Jacob Labutka is responsible for implementing all aspects of the Title VI Program. However, along with the Executive Director, all Directors, Managers, and their Staff share in the responsibility for making PSTA’s Title VI Program a success. Implementation of the Title VI Program is accorded the same priority as compliance with all other legal obligations incurred by PSTA in its financial assistance agreement with DOT.

To request a copy of this agency’s Title VI program contact PSTA. Any person who believes they have been discriminated against under Title VI has the right to file a formal complaint within 180 days of the alleged discrimination. Individuals and organizations may file a complaint with Pinellas Suncoast Transit AuthorityPSTA by contacting PSTA or obtaining the complaint form.

The form should be completed, signed, and sent to:

Planning Department
Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority
3201 Scherer Drive
St. Petersburg, FL 33716
Email: Title6Coordinator@psta.net
Phone: 727-540-1800

Individuals or organizations with questions, or comments, or for who seek more information, may contact PSTA at the above address.

Persons may also file a complaint with the Federal Transit Administrator’s Office of Civil Rights by obtaining the complaint for from: https://www.transit.dot.gov/regulations-and-guidance/civil-rights-ada/fta-civil-rights-complaint-form