HomeMy WebLinkAboutStaff Report 3.A 05/21/2018DATE: May 21, 2018
TO: Honorable M r and Members of the City Council through City Manager
FROM: Da So , F S — Director, Public Works and Utilities
JaredHall —1 ransit Manager, Public Works and Utilities
SUBJECT: Resolution Adopting the 2018 Title VI Plan for Petaluma Transit
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the City Council approve the Resolution Adopting the 2018 Title VI
Program for Petaluma Transit.
BACKGROUND
In 2008, Petaluma became an eligible Federal Transit Administration (FTA) grant recipient and
has utilized these funds to replace numerous transit vehicles and enact various capital projects
over the last several years. The financial viability of Petaluma Transit and its offerings to the
public have improved significantly given access to this robust funding source for public
transportation.
DISCUSSION
The FTA requires recipients of FTA funding to adopt certain specific policies and procedures to
continue to receive funding. As such, the City of Petaluma is required to adopt a Title VI (Civil
Rights) Program and to prevent discriminatory action on the part of the City's transit system. The
City is required to submit a new Title VI plan every three years for approval by the FTA. The
plan currently in effect was approved by City Council and submitted to FTA in June 2015. A
new plan is due to the FTA for review by June 30, 2018.
The City will utilize the policies and procedures in the 2018 Title VI Program to ensure fair and
non-discriminatory access to the transit system. This will ensure that Petaluma remains eligible
for FTA funding. No significant modifications are proposed for adoption in the 2018 Title VI
program in comparison to the existing 2015 plan.
The proposed action meets the Council Goal to: "Achieve fiscal stability and maintain financial
sustainability."
FINANCIAL IMPACTS
There is no financial impact or cost associated with the recommended action. Failure to submit
the FTA -required Title VI Plan would jeopardize critical federal transit funding for Petaluma
Transit.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Resolution
2. 2018 Title VI Plan for Petaluma Transit
2
Attachment 1
RESOLUTION ADOPTING THE 2018 TITLE VI PROGRAM FOR PETALUMA
TRANSIT
WHEREAS, the federal government enacted the Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of
1964, as amended, to prevent discrimination on the grounds of race, color, sex, age, disability or
national origin and to ensure that individuals are not excluded from participation in, denied
benefits of, or otherwise subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving
federal financial assistance on the basis of race, color, sex, age, disability or national origin; and
WHEREAS, FTA requires that grant recipients, such as the City of Petaluma and
Petaluma Transit and Paratransit, submit a Title VI Program every three years documenting
compliance with Title VI; and
WHEREAS, the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) requires that the City Council
reviews and approves updates to the Title VI Program; and
WHEREAS, the Fixing America's Surface Transportation (FAST) Act (Pub. L. No. 114-
94, December 4, 2015) continues the Federal Transit Administration Formula Programs (23
U.S.C. §53) and Surface Transportation Program (23 U.S.C. § 133); and
WHEREAS, pursuant to the FAST ACT, and the regulations promulgated thereunder,
eligible project sponsors wishing to receive Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Section 5307
and Section 5339 grants for a project shall be required to follow all published FTA guidance
documents; and
WHEREAS, the City of Petaluma is an eligible project sponsor for FTA Section 5307
and Section 5339 funds and obligated to comply with any and all FTA regulations; and
WHEREAS, the City of Petaluma has benefitted greatly from inclusion into the FTA
Section 5307 and 5339 Funding Programs, and wishes to continue eligibility for these funds for
projects, such as bus replacements, facility renovations, communication equipment procurement,
and operating assistance/preventative maintenance; and
WHEREAS, the Title VI program has no significant programmatic changes, but includes
updates to several program components, including demographics of system users, the Language
Assistance Plan, the Public Participation Plan, and Title VI complaints received and investigate
procedures; and
WHEREAS, Petaluma Transit and Paratransit is committed to ensuring that its policies
and programs are designed to ensure meaningful participation in and access to transit services for
minority, low-income, and limited English -proficient populations.
3
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the City of Petaluma adopts the 2018
Title VI Program for Petaluma Transit, attached hereto and incorporated herein as Attachment 2,
which shall apply to all FTA—funded transit programs.
0
City of Petaluma — Petaluma Transit
June 2018
Attachments:
A. Public Notice and Complaint Process
B. Public Participation Plan
C. Limited English Proficiency Plan
D. Systemwide Standards and Policies
E. Documentation of City Council Approval
City of Petaluma — Petaluma Transit
Title VI Program
June 2018
Introduction
This program reflects the City of Petaluma Transit Division's ("Petaluma Transit") commitment to
ensuring that no person 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 provided by Petaluma Transit, as protected by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964
("Title VI").
11. Title VI Complaint Procedures
Background
The City of Petaluma has a file established for all Title VI complaints. This file is stored digitally at
the transit facility at 555 N. McDowell Blvd, Petaluma CA 94954. The file is available for review
by anyone making such a request. All complaints will be investigated by the City of Petaluma. A
record of the investigation will accompany a copy of the original complaint in the file.
Additionally any notification of legal action as well as the results of any legal action will be filed
with the original complaint.
Procedure
® Upon receipt of a complaint regarding a violation of civil rights a scanned copy must be
saved in a folder labeled with the name of the filer and the date, this folder shall be filed
in the Title VI folder. The original must be submitted to the City of Petaluma's Risk
Manager for an investigation. Any additional correspondence from the filer should be
handled in the same manner with a copy being filed with the copy of the claim in the title
VI claim folder.
® Any correspondence from the Risk Management Department to the claimant pertaining
to the claim should also be filed with the copy of the original claim.
® The Risk Manager will forward a copy of the claim onto legal counsel.
III. Notice to Public of Rights under Title VI
Attachment A shows the Petaluma Transit public notice, discrimination complaint process, and
complaint form. This notice is posted on the Petaluma Transit website, Petaluma Transit
customer center, and inside transit vehicles in English and Spanish.
IV. List of Title VI investigations, complaints, or lawsuits
There are no investigations, complaints, or lawsuits currently filed with Petaluma Transit.
June 2018 1
V. Public Participation Plan
Attachment B is Petaluma Transit's Public Participation Plan, which outlines the strategies for
engaging the public in the process of transportation decisions. The plan is used to guide
interaction with the community and encourage participation from traditionally disadvantaged
populations, including the elderly, people with disabilities, minorities, non-English speaking
persons, and low-income populations.
VI. Limited English Proficiency Plan
Petaluma Transit ensures that persons with Limited English Proficiency (LEP) shall not be
discriminated against nor denied meaningful access to, and participation in, the programs and
services provided by the agency. Attachment C contains an LEP plan that includes an assessment
of current needs and language assistance strategies.
VII. Ethnic Breakdown of Transit Advisory Committee
Caucasian
Population' 69.3%
Transit Advisory 100%
Committee
Vacancies on the Transit Advisory Committee occur annually. Notices of vacancies on the Transit
Advisory Committee are placed on all Petaluma Transit buses, advertised through social media,
and are sent out to the City's general mailing list.
VIII. Narrative Describing Subrecipient Monitoring
As of June 2017, the Sonoma Marin Area Rail Transit (SMART) District is no longer a subrecipient
to the City of Petaluma. SMART has provided Petaluma Transit with a copy of their Title VI
program; however, as of June 12, 2015, SMART is a direct recipient and therefore submits their
own Title VI Plan to FTA. The City of Petaluma has no other FTA subrecipients.
IX. Determination of Site or Location of Facilities
Petaluma Transit did not plan, site, or build any new facilities during the last term. There are no
new facilities currently being planned.
X. Systemwide Service Standards and Policies
Attachment D contains Petaluma Transit's adopted systemwide service standards and policies.
1 ACS DEMOGRAPHIC AND HOUSING ESTIMATES; 2012-2016 American Community Survey 5 -Year Estimates
June 2018 2
African
Asian
Native
Two or
Latino
American
American
American
Other
more
21.4%
0.7%
4.5%
0.1%
1.2%
2.7%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
Vacancies on the Transit Advisory Committee occur annually. Notices of vacancies on the Transit
Advisory Committee are placed on all Petaluma Transit buses, advertised through social media,
and are sent out to the City's general mailing list.
VIII. Narrative Describing Subrecipient Monitoring
As of June 2017, the Sonoma Marin Area Rail Transit (SMART) District is no longer a subrecipient
to the City of Petaluma. SMART has provided Petaluma Transit with a copy of their Title VI
program; however, as of June 12, 2015, SMART is a direct recipient and therefore submits their
own Title VI Plan to FTA. The City of Petaluma has no other FTA subrecipients.
IX. Determination of Site or Location of Facilities
Petaluma Transit did not plan, site, or build any new facilities during the last term. There are no
new facilities currently being planned.
X. Systemwide Service Standards and Policies
Attachment D contains Petaluma Transit's adopted systemwide service standards and policies.
1 ACS DEMOGRAPHIC AND HOUSING ESTIMATES; 2012-2016 American Community Survey 5 -Year Estimates
June 2018 2
XI. Documentation of Council Approval
Petaluma City Council approved this 2018 Title VI Plan on June XX, 2018; Attachment E contains
the City Council Resolution.
June 2018
Petaluma Transit—Title VI Program Attachment A: Public Notice and Complaint Process
PUBLIC NOTICE
TITLE VI OF THE 1964 CIVIL RIGHTS ACT
"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"
Petaluma Transit is committed to ensuring that no person is excluded from participation
in, or denied the benefits of its services on the basis of race, color or national origin as
protected by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended ("Title VI"). If you believe
you have been subjected to discrimination under Title VI, you may file a written
complaint with Petaluma Transit. The complaint must be filed no later than 180
calendar days of the alleged discriminatory incident.
The preferred method is to file your complaint in writing using the Title VI Complaint
Form, available in hard copy, PDF format, or as an online form, and sending it to:
Transit Manager
Attn: Title VI
Petaluma Transit
555 N. McDowell Blvd
Petaluma, CA 94954
Verbal complaints will also be accepted and transcribed by the Transit Manager. To
make a verbal complaint or to receive more information on Petaluma Transit's Title VI
Program, call (707) 778-4421.
Complaints may also be filed directly with the Federal Transit Administration by filing a
complaint with:
Office of Civil Rights
Attention: Title VI Program Coordinator
East Building, 5th Floor—TCR
1200 New Jersey Ave. SE
Washington, DC 20590
If information is needed in another language please call (707) 778-4421.
Si se necesita informacion en otro idioma, por favor (lame al ( 707) 778-4421.
June 2018 A-1
Petaluma Transit—Title VI Program Attachment A: Public Notice and Complaint Process
Petaluma Transit Title VI Complaint Process
Petaluma Transit grants all citizens equal access to all its transportation services. It is
further the intent of Petaluma Transit, that all citizens are aware of their rights to such
access. This site is designed to serve as an educational tool for citizens so that they may
understand one of the civil rights laws that protect their benefit of Petaluma Transit
programs and services, specifically, as it relates to Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
What is Title VI?
Title VI is a section of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 requiring that "No person in the United
States shall on the grounds 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." Note that Title VI does not
address gender discrimination. It only covers race, color and national origin. Other Civil
Rights laws prohibit gender discrimination.
Complaint Process
How do I file a complaint?
If you believe that you have received discriminatory treatment by Petaluma Transit on
the basis of your race, color or national origin, you have the right to file a complaint with
the Transit Manager. The complaint must be filed no later than 180 calendar days of the
alleged discriminatory incident.
Methods of filing a complaint
The preferred method is to file your complaint in writing using the Title VI Complaint
Form, available in hard copy, PDF format, or as an online form, and sending it to:
Transit Manager
Petaluma Transit
555 N. McDowell Blvd
Petaluma CA 94954
Verbal complaints will also be accepted and transcribed by the Transit Manager. To
make a verbal complaint, call (707) 778-4421.
You also have the right to file a complaint with an external entity such as the Department
of Transportation (DOT), a federal or state agency, or a federal or state court.
June 2018 A-2
Petaluma Transit—Title VI Program Attachment A: Public Notice and Complaint Process
Should a complaint be filed with Petaluma Transit and an external entity simultaneously,
the external complaint shall supersede the Petaluma Transit complaint and Petaluma
Transit's complaint procedures will be suspended pending the external entity's findings.
Investigations
Within 10 working days of receipt of the formal complaint, the Transit Manager will
notify the complainant and begin an investigation (unless the complaint is filed with an
external entity first or simultaneously).
The investigation will address complaints against Petaluma Transit and Petaluma
Paratransit employees and contractors. The investigation will be conducted in
conjunction with and under the advice of The City of Petaluma's Risk Manager.
The investigation may include discussion(s) of the complaint with all affected parties to
determine the problem. The complainant may be represented by an attorney or other
representative of his/her own choosing and may present testimony and evidence in the
course of the investigation.
The investigation will be conducted and completed within 60 days of the receipt of the
formal complaint.
Based upon all the information received, an investigation report will be written for
submittal to the Transit Manager.
The complainant will receive a letter stating the final decision of the Transit Manager by
the end of the 60 -day time limit.
The complainant shall be notified of his/her right to appeal the decision. Appeals may be
made to the DOT, the EEOC, or the DFEH.
June 2018 A-3
Petaluma Transit—Title VI Program Attachment A: Public Notice and Complaint Process
Title VI Complaint Form
Title VI of the 1964 Civil Rights Act requires that "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."
Note: The following information is necessary to assist us in processing your complaint.
Should you require any assistance in completing this form, please let us know.
Complete and return this form to:
Transit Manager
Petaluma Transit
555 N. McDowell Blvd
Petaluma CA 94954
1, Complainant's Name
2, Addre
3. City, State and Zip Code
4, Telephone Number (home) (business)
5. Person discriminated against (if someone other than the complainant)
Name
Address
City, State and Zip Code
6. Which of the following best describes the reason you believe the discrimination
took place? Was it because of your:
a. Race
b. Color
c. National Origin
7. What date and time did the alleged discrimination take place?
June 2018 A-4
Petaluma Transit—Title VI Program Attachment A: Public Notice and Complaint Process
8. In your own words, describe the alleged discrimination. Explain what happened
and whom you believe was responsible. Please use the back of this form if
additional space is required.
9. Have you filed this complaint with any other federal, state, or local agency; or with
any federal or state court? Yes No
If yes, check all that apply:
Federal agency Federal court State agency State court
Local agency
10. Please provide information about a contact person at the agency/court where the
complaint was filed.
Name
Address
City, State, and Zip Code
Telephone Number
11. Please sign below. You may attach any written materials or other information that
you think is relevant to your complaint.
Complainant's Signature Date
June 2018 A-5
Petaluma Transit—Title VI Program Attachment B: Public Participation Plan
City of Petaluma — Petaluma Transit
Public Participation Plan
Introduction
The City of Petaluma provides fixed -route transit and paratransit services through Petaluma
Transit, a division of the Department of Public Works & Utilities. Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of
1964 prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, and national origins in programs and
activities receiving federal financial assistance. Underfederal regulations, transit operators must
take reasonable steps to ensure persons have access to their activities and programs.
This Public Participation Plan is used to inform the community of available services and to
encourage participation from traditionally disadvantaged populations, including the elderly,
people with disabilities, minorities, non-English speaking persons, and low-income populations.
The Plan includes a summary profile of the City of Petaluma and a description of the public
participation strategies undertaken by Petaluma Transit.
II. Community Profile
The following summary of the City of Petaluma's geography, social characteristics, and economic
characteristics establishes context for this Public Participation Plan. All social and economic
characteristics are derived from the American Community Survey 2012-2016 5 -year Estimates
unless otherwise noted.
Geography
The City of Petaluma, which is also the Petaluma Transit Service area, covers approximately 14.4
square miles of land. There are 1,581 housing units and 4,028 residents per square mile.
California Highway 101 and Washington Street divide the City into quadrants. The Petaluma
River runs through the historic downtown on the west side of the City. The east side of the city
contains newer neighborhoods and retail centers. There are two Petaluma Transit Transfer
Centers located on either side of Highway 101, the Copeland Street Transit Mall (west) and the
Eastside Transit Center (east).
Social & Economic Characteristics
Population & Age
Population
59,757
Age 0-19
114,668
124.5%
Age -20-64-
35,7_71________59.8%____
Age 65+
9,318
15 6%
Median Age
41.6
June 2018 B-1
Petaluma Transit—Title VI Program Attachment B: Public Participation Plan
Ethnicity
White alone
5,176
41,401
Under 18 years old with a disability
169.3%
Black or African American alone
18-64 with a disability
1432
6.8% of age group
10.7%
American Indian and Alaska Native alone
130.5% of age group
74
0.1%
Asian alone
1 2,666
Language other than English
I
Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander alone
Speak English less than "very well"
( 16
5,724 10.2%
10.0%°
Some other race alone
9,849 ( 17.5%
731
L
1.2%°
Two or more races:
I
j 1,621
Speak English less than "very well"
' 2.7%
Hispanic or Latino (of any race)
12,816
( 21.4%
Education — Population 25 years and older
Speak English less than "very well"
Less than 9th grade
12,494
f -5.9%
9th to 12th grade, no diploma
2,106
j 5.0%
High school graduate (includes equivalency)
7,875
18.6%
Some college, no degree
110,422
24.6%
Associate's degree
13,609
8.5%
Bachelor's degree
10,231
124.2%
Graduate or professional degree
5,600
13.2%
Veteran Status
Civilian Veterans
2,952
6.4%1
Disability Status2
Total with a disability
5,176
8.9% of population
Under 18 years old with a disability
444
3.2% of age group
18-64 with a disability
12,468
6.8% of age group
65+ with a disability
2,264
130.5% of age group
Language — Population 5 years and older
English only
42,521 ( 75.4%
Language other than English
I
13,858 I 24.6%
Speak English less than "very well"
5,724 10.2%
Spanish
I
9,849 ( 17.5%
Speak English less than "very well"
L
4,522 8.0%
Other Indo-European languages
I
2,337 4.1%
Speak English less than "very well"
604 1.-I.%-
.1%Asian
Asianand Pacific Islander languages
1,447 2.6%
Speak English less than "very well"
572 ( 1.0%
Other languages
225 0.4%
Speak English less than "very well"
26 0.0%
1 of Civilian population 18 years and over
z Data from 2009 American Community Survey
June 2018 B-2
Petaluma Transit—Title VI Program Attachment B: Public Participation Plan
Economic Characteristics
Median household income $80,907
Average household income $100,638
Living in poverty (people) 8.6%
III. Public Participation Strategies
Petaluma Transit ensures equal access to its programs and services and promotes inclusive
participation through the following strategies:
• Implementation of the language assistance measures outlined in the Limited English
Proficiency Plan (See Attachment C).
• Participation in community events.
• Public meetings are held in the evenings and at a central, transit -accessible location to
allow for maximum attendance and at varying times throughout the day to accommodate
different work schedules.
• Transit Advisory Committee meetings are televised on the local Community Access
station and also available for viewing online live or via archive.
• Coordination and partnership with community organizations.
• Bilingual outreach at transit centers prior to fare and service changes.
• Outreach to schools.
• Events at the Petaluma Senior Center.
• Events at senior housing facilities.
• Transit maps tailored to each of the four public middle and high schools are distributed in
print and posted online in English and Spanish.
• Periodic focus groups are conducted at the schools and junior college.
• Bilingual advertising on buses about opportunities to participate with Petaluma Transit.
• Email notice of opportunities to participate with Petaluma Transit are sent to the City's
general mailing list.
• Videos on how to ride the bus are posted online.
• Rider guides for bus and paratransit are provided in large print.
• Website content is provided in multiple languages including Spanish.
• Title VI Plan provided on the website in English and Spanish.
• Outreach conducted at transit centers during busy times of day to make participation
easier for the most possible riders.
• Social media, including Facebook, used to notify riders of changes or delays.
June 2018 B-3
Petaluma Transit—Title VI Program Attachment C: LEP Plan
Petaluma Transit — City of Petaluma
Limited English Proficiency (LEP) Plan
Introduction
The City of Petaluma provides fixed -route transit and paratransit services through
Petaluma Transit, a division of the Department of Public Works & Utilities. Limited English
proficiency (LEP) is defined by the limited ability to read, write, speak, or understand
English. Petaluma Transit ensures that persons with Limited English proficiency shall not
be discriminated against nor denied meaningful access to, and participation in, the
programs and services provided by the division, at no additional cost.
This Limited English Proficiency Plan describes Petaluma Transit's strategy for providing
language assistance for LEP populations. The Plan includes a needs assessment based on
a four -factor analysis, language assistance measures, a staff training plan, ongoing
maintenance measures, and notification methods.
Four Factor Analysis
The following analysis is used to determine the appropriate language services that should
be provided to ensure meaningful access to Petaluma Transit programs and activities.
Factor 1: Number and proportion of LEP persons served or encountered
Petaluma used the American Community Survey (ACS) 5 -Year survey data for 2012-2016
for Limited English Proficient (LEP) Populations in the City of Petaluma to estimate the
number or proportion of LEP persons who might use or want to use Petaluma Transit's
services. The American Community Survey (ACS) 5 -Year survey data identifies people who
speak English "less than very well" as Limited English Proficient persons.
of the population aged five years and older in the City of Petaluma, 8% (4,522) speak
Spanish at home as their primary language and are limited English proficient. The
following table shows the population broken down by the language that is spoken at
home and the ability to speak English.
June 2018 C-1
Petaluma Transit—Title VI Program
Language — Population 5 years and older
English only
Language other than English
Speak English less than "very well
Spanish
Speak English less than "very well"
Other Indo-European languages
Speak English less than "very well"
Asian and Pacific Islander languages
Speak English less than "very well"
Otherlanguages
Speak English less than "very well
Attachment C: LEP Plan
42,521
75.4%
13,858
24.6%
5,724
( 10.2%
9,849
17.5%
4,522
8.0%
2,337
i 4.1%
-
604
( 1.1%
1,447
I 2.6%
572
1.0%
225
( 0.4%
26
0.0%
Factor 2: Frequency of LEP populations' contact with existing programs, activities, and
services
Petaluma Transit conducted an onboard survey in 2016. The survey was offered in both
English and Spanish language, with 9.2% of the surveys received completed in Spanish
(28 out of 303). This is a slight increase from 8.1% in 2014, down from 11.6% in 2012,
and 15.7% in 2010. Among registered paratransit riders, 2.6% indicate a language other
than English as their primary language. Over the last two years, 1% of all new paratransit
riders have indicated Spanish as their primary language.
Factor 3: Importance to LEP populations of programs, activities, and services
Petaluma Transit considers public transit to be an important and essential service for
many residents, commuters, and visitors. The majority of onboard survey respondents
who answered in Spanish reported a family income of less than $30,000 per year. The
American Community Survey estimated that 12% of Petaluma residents who commute to
work on public transportation speak Spanish and are LEP person.
Factor 4: Resources available to Petaluma Transit and overall cost to provide LEP
assistance
Petaluma Transit makes a reasonable effort to communicate with LEP persons about
available transit services, including bi-lingual staffing of multiple positions. The bilingual
Marketing and Travel Training Assistant works to improve access to transit for Latino
residents through targeted outreach strategies, translation of vital documents, and travel
training in Spanish. The other bilingual staff position is an operations dispatcher who can
help Spanish-speaking persons over the phone or in person with Transit or Paratransit
related questions.
June 2018 C-2
Petaluma Transit—Title VI Program Attachment C: LEP Plan
III. Language Assistance Measures
The percentage of Spanish-speaking LEP persons in the Petaluma Transit service area
meets the Safe Harbor threshold by constituting at least 5% of the total population. This
means that Petaluma Transit must provide written translation of vital documents in
Spanish in orderto comply with the Safe Harbor provision, as adopted by the Federal
Department of Transportation. Petaluma Transit meets and exceeds this requirement by
providing an array of assistance measures for Spanish-speaking LEP persons. No other
languages eligible to be served or likely to be affected or encountered, were found to
exceed 1,000 persons or 5% of the total population.
Current language assistance measures to address the needs of LEP persons include the
following:
• Permanent Staff position for bilingual dispatcher (contractor position):
o Answers incoming phone calls in Spanish
o Responds to customer service inquiries and booking paratransit trips in
Spanish
o Provides oral translation of all documents
• Marketing and Travel Training Assistant:
o Fosters ongoing relationships with Latino community leaders and
community groups, including LEP advocacy groups
o Attends community events
o Staffs Petaluma outreach events about fare and service changes
o Provides travel training in Spanish
o Translates key documents to Spanish
o Provides oral translation of all documents
• Key written materials that are translated to Spanish:
o System map
o School -specific transit maps for all public high and middle schools
o System advisories
o Website content
o Title VI Public Notice — print and web
• ADA Paratransit services and materials available in any language:
o Telephone customer service
o Eligibility Applications
o In-person evaluations
o Paratransit Rider's Guide
• Advertisements in local Spanish-language newspaper announcing fare and service
changes
• Website postings informing users of available LEP assistance provided in Spanish
• Onboard written notices are provided in Spanish
• Coordination of oral and written translation services for languages other than
English
June 2018 C-3
Petaluma Transit—Title VI Program Attachment C: LEP Plan
IV. Methods for Notifying LEP Persons About Available Language Assistance
Petaluma Transit will notify LEP persons of available language assistance services through
the following methods:
® Written notices in Spanish and English onboard transit vehicles
® Written notices in Spanish and English on display in the transit customer service
office
® Notice in Spanish and English on the website
® Including contact information for translation requests on key printed documents
® Posting of bilingual fliers at community centers, libraries, and transit centers
® Participation in local community events
V. Methods for Monitoring, Evaluating, and Updating Plan
Petaluma Transit will review this plan annually, including:
® Assessing sufficiency of staff training and budget for language assistance
® Reviewing current sources for assistance to ensure continuing availability
® Reviewing and complaints, comments, and suggestions related to LEP assistance
VI. Staff Training Plan
Petaluma Transit will ensure effective implementation of this Plan by scheduling annual
trainings for existing staff and by including effective LEP assistance strategies in the
orientation training for new staff that regularly interact with the public. Training will
include a review of this plan and how to handle verbal requests for service or information
in a language other than English.
June 2018 C-4
Petaluma Transit—Title VI Program Attachment D: Systemwide Services Standards and Policies
I. Systemwide Service Standards and Policies
I Peak
( Base
Vehicle Load Standards
Weekday
Mode
Average Passenger Capacities
Regular Routes
60
Vehicle Type
Seated
Standing
Total
Max Load Factor
Max Load Factor
Tripper Routes
n/a
n/a
n/a
- Peak
- Off -Peak
Regular Routes
Regular Routes
60
60
60
30' Gillig LF
23
19
42
42/23
i 42/23
35' Gillig LF
34
i 28
62
62/34
62/34
40' New Flyer LF
38
31
69
69/38
69/38
40' Gillig LF
40
32
72
72/40
72/40
Tripper Routes i
30' n/a
n/a
n/a
35' Gillig
34
28
62
62/34
62/34
40' New Flyer LF 1
38
31 1
69
69/38
69/38
Vehicle Headways Standards
Mode
I Peak
( Base
Evening
Weekday
Regular Routes
60
60
60
minutes
minutes
minutes
Tripper Routes
n/a
n/a
n/a
Saturday
Regular Routes
60
60
60
minutes
minutes
minutes
Sunday
Regular Routes
60 (
60
I 60
minutes
minutes
minutes
June 2018 D-1
Petaluma Transit—Title VI Program Attachment D: Systemwide Services Standards and Policies
On -Time Vehicle Performance Standards
A vehicle is considered on-time if it departs a scheduled time -point no more than 1
minute early and no more than 5 minutes late. Petaluma Transit's on-time performance
objective is 90%.
Service Availability Standards
Petaluma Transit bus stops will not be more than 4 blocks apart,
Vehicle Assignment Policy
BUS ASSIGNMENTS BY SIZE FOR TRANSIT
Petaluma Transit has a vehicle fleet of less than 50 vehicles.
Transit Amenities Policy
Petaluma Transit assigns transit stop amenities based on the average count of boardings
and alightings, with consideration of site suitability and physical constraints.
June 2018 D-2
SIZE
30'
35'
40'
MILEAGE (in Ks)
ROUTE
2/11
2ND
1ST
3ID , ��
152
ROUTE
11/2
2ND
1ST
152
ROUTE
3/33
2ND
IST
3RD ,
223
ROUTE
10/24
IST
2ND
ARD
151
ROUTE
10X
IST
2ND
F
3RD
10
ROUTE
301
`3RD
2ND
IST
10
ROUTE
302
3RD
2ND
1ST
11
ROUTE
303
3RD
2ND
IST
12
ROUTE
311 AM
3RD
2ND
1ST
11
ROUTE
311 PM
3RD
2ND
IST
34
ROUTE
312
3RD
1ST
2N,hy , <
34
ROUTE
501 AM
2ND
IST
23
ROUTE
501 PM
2ND
IST
3RD<,
23
846
Petaluma Transit has a vehicle fleet of less than 50 vehicles.
Transit Amenities Policy
Petaluma Transit assigns transit stop amenities based on the average count of boardings
and alightings, with consideration of site suitability and physical constraints.
June 2018 D-2