HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolution 2021-079 N.C.S. 6/07/2021Resolution No. 2021-079 N.C.S. Page 1
Resolution No. 2021-079 N.C.S.
of the City of Petaluma, California
RESOLUTION ADOPTING THE 2021 TITLE VI PROGRAM FOR PETALUMA TRANSIT
WHEREAS, the federal government enacted 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 based on race, color, sex, age, disability, or
national origin; 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, FTA requires that grant recipients, such as the City of Petaluma and Petaluma Transit and
Paratransit, submit a Council approved Title VI Program every three years documenting compliance with Title
VI; and WHEREAS, the City of Petaluma is committed to ensuring that no person shall on the grounds of race, color, or national origin, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or otherwise be subjected
to discrimination under any Petaluma Transit Program, service, or activity regardless of the funding source; 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; 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, multilingual translation services, and Title VI complaints received and investigate procedures; and
WHEREAS, the proposed action is exempt from the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) for the following reasons: 1. The proposed action is exempt from the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act
(CEQA) in accordance with CEQA Guidelines Section 15378, in that the updating of the Title VI Plan
does not meet CEQA's definition of a “project,” because the action does not have the potential for resulting either a direct physical change in the environment or a reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in
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Resolution No. 2021-079 N.C.S. Page 2
the environment, and because the action constitutes organizational or administrative activities of governments that will not result in direct or indirect physical changes in the environment.
2. The proposed action is exempt under the common-sense exemption, CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3) because it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the proposed action could have a significant impact on the environment.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the City of Petaluma of the City of Petaluma hereby:
1. Declares that the above recitals are true and correct and are hereby incorporated to this resolution. 2. Adopts the 2021 Title VI Program for Petaluma Transit, attached hereto, and incorporated herein as
Attachment 1, which shall apply to all FTA—funded transit programs.
3. Directs staff to submit the adopted 2021 Title VI Program for Petaluma Transit for approval of the FTA.
Under the power and authority conferred upon this Council by the Charter of said City.
REFERENCE: I hereby certify the foregoing Resolution was introduced and adopted by the
Council of the City of Petaluma at a Regular meeting on the 7th day of June 2021,
by the following vote:
Approved as to
form:
__________________________
City Attorney
AYES: Mayor Barrett; Vice Mayor Barnacle; Fischer; Healy; King; McDonnell; Pocekay
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
ATTEST: ______________________________________________
City Clerk
______________________________________________
Mayor
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City of Petaluma –Petaluma Transit
TITLE VI Plan
June 2021
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
Attachment 1DocuSign Envelope ID: 6EF215E8-29F9-41CC-90C5-AC9009EAAF2D
June 2021 1
City of Petaluma –Petaluma Transit
Title VI Program
June 2021
I.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”).
II.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,California 94954. The file is available for
review by anyone making such a request.The City of Petaluma will investigate all complaints. A
record of the investigation will accompany a copy of the original complaint in the file.
Additionally,any notification of legal action and 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 a copy of the original claim.
·The Risk Manager will forward a copy of the claim to 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.
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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
Race & Ethnicity
Population1
Transit Advisory
Committee
One race 94.7%100%
Two or more races 5.3%0%
White 77.5%100%
Black or African American 1.2%0%
American Indian and Alaska
Native 0.4%0%
Asian 4.5%0%
Native Hawaiian and Other
Pacific Islander 0.1%0%
Some other race 11.0%0%
Two or more races 5.3%0%
HISPANIC OR LATINO
Hispanic or Latino (of any race)21.9%17%
Not Hispanic or Latino 78.1%83%
1 ACS DEMOGRAPHIC AND HOUSING ESTIMATES; 2015-2019 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates
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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.When soliciting members of the public,Transit
staff urges the city to encourage minority participation so that the committees reflect the
diversity within the county.In addition staff works via direct outreach to community based
entities in the area that serve minority groups to help encourage their members to consider
applying for any committee vacancies.City Council selects committee members to represent the
community's demographics to the greatest extent possible.
VIII.Narrative Describing Subrecipient Monitoring
The City of Petaluma has no FTA sub-recipients.
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 designed.
X.Systemwide Service Standards and Policies
Attachment D contains Petaluma Transit’s adopted systemwide service standards and policies.
XI.Documentation of Council Approval
Petaluma City Council approved this 2021 Title VI Plan on May 31, 2021; Attachment E contains
the City Council Resolution.
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Petaluma Transit –Title VI Program Attachment A: Public Notice and Complaint Process
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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 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.If you'd like more information about
the Title VI program, you may contact the Title VI staff at the address or phone number
below .
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 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 información en otro idioma, por favor llame al ( 707) 778-4421.
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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 to 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?
Suppose you believe that you have received discriminatory treatment by Petaluma
Transit on the basis of your race, color, or national origin. In that case, 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,an email with the form attached,or as an
online form,and sending it to:
Transit Manager
Petaluma Transit
555 N. McDowell Blvd
Petaluma CA 94954
Completed forms can be submitted via email to:transit@cityofpetaluma.org.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.
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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 ten 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 choosing and may present testimony and evidence in 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.
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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 via email to:Transit@cityofpetaluma.org or via mail to:
Transit Manager
Petaluma Transit
555 N. McDowell Blvd
Petaluma CA 94954
1. Complainant’s Name ________________________________________________
2. Address___________________________________________________________
3. City, State and Zip Code______________________________________________
4. Telephone Number (home) _________________(business)__________________
5. Email ___________________________________
6. Person discriminated against (if someone other than the complainant)
Name_____________________________________________________________
Address___________________________________________________________
City, State and Zip Code______________________________________________
7. 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_______________________
8. What date and time did the alleged discrimination take place?
__________________________________________________________________
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9. 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.
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
10. 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
11. 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 _________________Email ____________________________
12.Please sign below. You may attach any written materials or other information that
you think is relevant to your complaint.
_____________________________________________
Complainant’s Signature Date
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Petaluma Transit –Title VI Program Attachment B: Public Participation Plan
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City of Petaluma –Petaluma Transit
Public Participation Plan
I.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. Under federal 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 a context for this Public Participation Plan.All social and economic
characteristics are derived from the American Community Survey 2015-2019 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 1,617 housing units and 4,220 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 60,767
Age 0-17 12,782 21.0%
Age 20-64 35,713 58.8%
Age 65+10,673 17.6%
Median Age 41.7
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Race & Ethnicity
Total population 60,767
Total Percentage
One race 57,547 94.7%
White 47,069 77.5%
Black or African American 718 1.2%
American Indian and Alaska
Native
266 0.4%
Asian 2,741 4.5%
Native Hawaiian and Other
Pacific Islander
67 0.1%
Some other race 6,686 11.0%
Two or more races 3,220 5.3%
White and Black or African
American
486 0.8%
White and American Indian
and Alaska Native
423 0.7%
White and Asian 1,168 1.9%
Black or African American and
American Indian and Alaska
Native
67 0.1%
Hispanic Or Latino
Hispanic or Latino (of any
race)
13,305 21.9%
Not Hispanic or Latino 47,462 78.1%
Education –Population 25 years and older
Less than 9th grade 2,494 5.9%
9th to 12th grade, no diploma 2,106 5.0%
High school graduate
(includes equivalency)
7,875 18.6%
Some college, no degree 10,422 24.6%
Associate's degree 3,609 8.5%
Bachelor's degree 10,231 24.2%
Graduate or professional
degree
5,600 13.2%
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Veteran Status
Civilian Veterans 2,475 5.2%1
Disability Status
Total with a disability 5,495 9.1%of the
population
Under 18 years old with a disability 345 2.7%of the age group
18-64 with a disability 2,616 7.1%of age group
65+ with a disability 2,534 24.5% of age group
Language –Population 5 years and older
English only 44,347 76.8%
Language other than English 13,412 23.2%
Speak English less than "very well."5,594 9.7%
Spanish 9,815 17.0%
Speak English less than "very well."4,342 7.5%
Other Indo-European languages 1,981 3.4%
Speak English less than "very well."489 0.8%
Asian and Pacific Islander languages 1,410 2.4%
Speak English less than "very well."756 1.3%
Other languages 206 0.4%
Speak English less than "very well."7 0.0%
Economic Characteristics
Median household income $91,528
Average household income $118,520
Living in poverty (people)6.7%
III.Public Participation Strategies
Petaluma Transit ensures equal access to its programs and services and promotes inclusivity
undertaking the following:
·Public meetings that 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 that are televised on the local Community Access
station and available to view online live or via archive.
·Coordination and partnership with community organizations.
·Bilingual outreach at transit centers prior to fare and service changes.
1 of Civilian population 18 years and over
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·Outreach to schools.
·Events at the Petaluma Senior Center.
·Events at senior housing facilities.
·Transit maps tailored to each of the four primary public middle and high schools are
distributed in print and posted online in English and Spanish.
·Periodic focus groups that are conducted at the schools and junior college.
·Third-party translation services that are available in real-time for phone conversations
during business hours (contracted service).
·Bilingual advertising on buses about opportunities to participate with Petaluma Transit.
·Email notices of opportunities to participate with Petaluma Transit that are sent to the
City’s general mailing list.
·Paratransit application materials and forms that are available in English and Spanish
·Videos on how to ride the bus that are posted online.
·Rider guides for bus and paratransit that are provided in large print.
·Website content that is provided in multiple languages,including Spanish.
·Title VI Plan that is provided on the website in English and Spanish.
·Outreach that is conducted at transit centers during busy times of day to make
participation easier for the most possible riders.
·Social media, including Facebook,that is used to notify riders of changes or delays.
The following table describes Petaluma Transit’s deployment of outreach and participation
strategies for ongoing and project-related activities. The table also highlights strategies that are
specifically targeted to reach Spanish-speaking residents, in addition to the language assistance
measures outlined in the Limited English Proficiency Plan (See Attachment C).
Participation Status When Used
1 Project Open Houses,
Workshops, and
Community Meetings
Petaluma Transit schedules public
meetings. Collaborates with
community-based organizations,
social service providers, and/or
faith-based groups.
Planning Studies,Service
Proposals,Major Service
Changes
2 Website Support Trip planning information,public
notices,fare information, English
and Spanish language assistance
available at
transit.cityofpetaluma.net. Ability
to view Web content translated
into Spanish
Passenger Information,Service
Changes,Participation
Opportunities
3 Media Relations and
Non-English Speaking
Residents
Petaluma Transit publishes
announcements in Spanish
Language newspapers and utilizes
Planning Studies,Service
Proposals,Title VI Outreach
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communication channels from
partner organizations.
4 Community Events Petaluma Transit has a calendar of
public events that it participates in
as sponsors,specific projects,or
ongoing activities.
For ongoing outreach, to solicit
input and educate on transit
options
5 Community
Organizations
Petaluma Transit partners with a
variety of community, advocacy,
and social service organizations to
conduct outreach.
Ongoing coordination;
Assistance on outreach to
specific populations and
communities
6 Flexible Public
Participation
Opportunities
Decisions are made in
collaboration with community-
based organizations
For ongoing input and
feedback on specific projects or
service change proposals.
7 Identifying affected
populations with limited
English proficiency (LEP)
Ongoing implementation as
described in the Petaluma Transit
Language Assistance Plan.
To understand communication
needs and tailor information
and services.
8 Translation Assistance Customer assistance and
translation from Petaluma
Transit’s primary service provider
is available in 150+ languages.
For customer service and
information provided by phone
and in person.
9 Multilingual Information
Materials
It is used to reach target
populations speaking Spanish.
Schedule & Passenger
Information,Service Updates,
Planning Studies,Service
Change Proposals,Major
Service Changes
10 Street Level & On the
Bus Direct
Communication
Street-level outreach informs
customers, residents, and
businesses of ongoing activities
and directly engages the public—
all messaging is presented in
English and Spanish.
Surveys,Service Updates,
Planning Studies,Service
Change Proposals,Major
Service Changes
11 Social Media Petaluma Transit shares
information via videos and social
media posts.
Ongoing communications
Advertise activities and
meetings Solicit input
12 Community Advisory
Groups
Used as appropriate for projects &
studies, including needs
assessment (e.g.,Transit Advisory
Committee, Transit-Paratransit
Coordinating Committee)
Planning Studies,Transit Needs
Assessments,Input on Design
and Delivery of Services &
Programs for Seniors and
Disabled Residents
13 Public Notices and Legal
Notices
Petaluma Transit publishes and
distributes all public and legal
notices in English and Spanish.
Public Meetings,Public
Hearings,Service Change
Notices
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14 Email Communications Petaluma Transit maintains and
augments email lists for specific
projects and overall notifications
and announcements
Updates on activities Advertise
meetings Specific Project or
Service-related changes or
updates
15 City of Petaluma City
Council Meetings
(Petaluma Transit Board
of Directors)
City Council meetings are generally
held on the first and third Monday
of the month. Language assistance
is available on request with 48
hours advance notice.Meetings
are temporarily held exclusively via
Zoom video conference and not in-
person due to COVID-19 safety
protocols as of May 2021.
Resumption of In-person meetings
is anticipated for later in the 2021.
Board has regularly scheduled
meetings open to the public
throughout the year. Public
hearings are typically held
during regular meetings.
16 Travel Training Travel Training is offered by our
bilingual travel trainer, by request.
Group presentations are also
regularly scheduled.
Scheduled throughout the year
and conducted across
Petaluma in partnership with
community centers, social
service organizations,
churches, and senior facilities.
17 Metropolitan
Transportation
Commission’s Public
Participation Plan
For additional outreach and
participation in regional planning,
Metropolitan Transportation
Commission (MTC) maintains a
regional Public Participation Plan.
For regional plan updates &
surveys, studies, and projects
affecting Sonoma County
The methods and strategies outlined in the table are described in more detail below, with a
section dedicated to each, in addition to these public participation strategies.
Project Open Houses, Workshops, and Community Meetings
Publicly noticed project open houses and community meetings provide stakeholders with the
most current information in an interactive setting. These may consist of brief presentations with
brainstorming discussions, full project or service proposal reviews, or small informational
sessions. Workshops solicit input from the community early in the planning phases of any
potential change and at key decision points. Workshops may use exercises or breakout groups to
generate ideas and feedback. Public forums provide the community with an opportunity to hold a
community discussion on proposed and planned changes. Petaluma Transit compiles any
comment cards, meeting notes, and written statements to document public input and present to
the Transit Advisory Committee. Staff provides information to participants on upcoming public
meetings, resources on the Petaluma Transit website, and how to contact the project manager.
Petaluma Transit works with community partners to leverage already scheduled meetings in low-
income, minority, and LEP communities to integrate public participation efforts into existing
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community and neighborhood activities.Comments are accepted in English and Spanish.
Translators are made available at meetings when possible.
Petaluma Transit’s public meetings are held at locations that are transit and Americans with
Disabilities Act (ADA) accessible, and they may be scheduled at various times of the day and on
Saturdays to accommodate working families, individuals, and seniors. Petaluma Transit staff will
continue to work with community-based organizations and other partners when scheduling these
events to meet the needs of particular communities. Convenient and accessible locations,
facilities,and meeting times maximize opportunities to provide input.
Website Support
Petaluma Transit provides project updates and information on how to provide input on its
website, transit.cityofpetaluma.net. The general public learns about the purpose of the project,
the communities it will serve, project timeframes, and community engagement. Petaluma Transit
will dedicate web pages for service changes, with links to electronic files of printed materials,
updating current material to reflect service changes,and calendars of upcoming participation
events, public forums, and workshops. Links may also be provided in various organizations’ e-
newsletters. Information includes tables that list changes, new route maps, a travel planner,
information regarding service changes on the pages of the affected routes, a rider alert at the top
of the home page,and contact information to reach Petaluma Transit staff.
Petaluma Transit’s website provides access to detailed information on services and programs,
service updates, its Short Range Transit Plan, ongoing activities, completed projects, and will have
a link to the Transit Advisory Committee’s agendas and packets. Petaluma Transit’s website
supports feedback and comments, interactive maps, trip planning, and real-time transit
information. Web activities may include reaching out to Petaluma organizations and requests to
have Petaluma Transit web page links on their websites. Google Translate allows visitors to
instantly translate the website content into 14 languages, including Spanish.
Media Relations and Non-English Speaking Residents
Press Releases and media events disseminate information and accomplishments to local, national,
and trade media outlets. Petaluma Transit uses various available resources,including media
contact lists, websites, and social media,to communicate with the general public. The media
strategy incorporates written press releases, interviews, events. These are tools that will be
utilized where appropriate and as circumstances and resources allow.
Community Events
Petaluma Transit staff participate in community events throughout the City to establish a
presence, promote programs, and interact with residents. Outreach includes information tables
at Earth Day, Bike to Work Day and other environmental forums, community open houses
throughout the City, community health and wellness events, farmers markets, and low-income
housing and job fairs. At these events, Petaluma Transit staff and community organization
partners provide information on Petaluma Transit services and programs, answer questions, assist
with trip planning, and obtain input from riders and the public.
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June 2021 B-8
Community Organizations
Petaluma Transit staff identifies and engages with individuals, institutions, community,and faith-
based organizations with low-income, minority and/or LEP constituents to ensure they
understand program and service proposals and listen and respond to their concerns. Petaluma
Transit has established relationships with Village Network,Petaluma People’s Service Center,PEP
Housing,and COTS to organize and conduct outreach activities and community meetings to
discuss services and programs.
Flexible Public Participation Opportunities
Petaluma Transit staff varies the size and format of meetings depending on the community’s
needs. A community meeting with the local member of the Board of Directors, for example, will
differ in size and format from a gathering of a neighborhood group in the impacted area.
Communications announcing public participation opportunities are tailored to reach a particular
community or affected population.
Where appropriate, Petaluma Transit distributes surveys to solicit input from the public via the
Petaluma Transit website, mailed out,web-based,given out at bus stops and on-board buses, or
administered by staff. Comment forms solicit input from the public in addition to or in place of
conducting surveys. These forms can be distributed in various ways,including stocking them on
buses, at transit centers, at community centers, and having them seat-dropped on vehicles. Staff
may also distribute them in person at community events, on buses, and at bus stops.Signage in
English and Spanish is located on all public vehicles with instructions on how to provide feedback
to the Agency.
A phone line is provided for passengers to ask questions about proposed service changes or for
scheduled service changes before and after those changes occur. Phone contact is also a method
for obtaining feedback regarding service changes. Petaluma Transit coordinates with partners,
community organizations, and stakeholders to make the phone number available to current and
potential riders.
Translation Assistance
As appropriate, Petaluma Transit will host community meetings with translation assistance
provided by bilingual Petaluma Transit staff, external translators, or community members.
Comment cards are supplied, and staff follow-up on commentators’ specific requests and
complaints through investigation and additional discussions. In-person language assistance in
Spanish is available at Petaluma Transit’s offices or via telephone.Petaluma Transit provides
bilingual phone support in English and Spanish (and 150+ additional language via real-time phone
translation services –contracted service)
Multilingual Information Materials
Petaluma Transit develops and publishes schedules, information sheets, and brochures in Spanish
and English in addition to public information materials on current and upcoming projects.
Materials can include fact sheets, Frequently Asked Questions, and flyers. These may be updated
based on feedback and questions from the general public. As appropriate, materials are
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June 2021 B-9
translated and posted on transit.cityofpetaluma.net and disseminated at public events and
distributed via postings inside transit vehicles, major transfer locations, and shelters. Information
is also distributed by email blast to community outreach partners, stakeholders, and interested
individuals. Depending on the document, the project scope, and the potential impact on LEP
populations, materials may be translated into other languages as required.
Presentations and Visual Aids
Petaluma Transit project staff will use various illustrative visual aids as appropriate and as
circumstances allow to support effective communications with the public. These may include
drawings, charts, graphs, photos, maps, and how to access trip planning and real-time
information on the internet. Staff often uses PowerPoint presentations at community meetings,
which are translated as needed.
Street Level and On Board the Bus Outreach
Petaluma Transit customers and Petaluma City residents may have no interest or ability to
participate in a meeting or review information on a website; therefore, street-level outreach
attempts to capture the opinions and needs of these stakeholders. This includes knowledgeable
Petaluma Transit staff and community outreach ambassadors engaging in conversations,
providing information, and recording comments. For specific study areas, project staff may
engage residents, businesses, and customers that live and conduct business along the route to
inform, administering surveys, build support and address concerns or ideas. This includes getting
on the agenda of local neighborhood meetings, which offers an additional opportunity to invite
participation in ongoing outreach efforts. This form of outreach can be particularly effective for
reaching those that are not likely to read printed material or use the Petaluma Transit website.
The scale of in-person activities will be conducted based on the specific project or activity
requirements, the availability of staff or community partners, or if there are significant service
changes planned.
Social Media
Petaluma Transit will attempt to reach out to those who cannot attend or do not regularly
participate in formal public meetings and board hearings. Through its annual outreach and
marketing activities, the Agency is preparing to bolster its social media presence through
Facebook and Twitter to encourage participation. For those who can participate in person, an
online and social media presence provides two-way communication between meetings,
strengthens the dialogue, and supports a transparent planning process.In addition, video
conferences have been utilized throughout the COVID-19 pandemic to respect social
distancing/safety protocols.
Community Advisory Groups
Petaluma Transit develops project-based community advisory groups that provide input and
feedback as a project or study is designed and implemented through consultation with
stakeholders. Groups consist of stakeholders and members of various communities,
organizations, backgrounds, and interests that provide input to the Transit Agency on specific
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June 2021 B-10
programs or projects. Petaluma Transit has benefited from working with community advisory
groups in the development of transit needs assessments. The District strives to schedule group
meetings during times and in locations that maximize stakeholder participation.
Public Notices and Legal Notices
In addition to information materials, Petaluma Transit staff may use other forms of public
advertisement to notify the public of important project or service-related information on bus
shelters, at bus stops, inside or outside transit vehicles) as well as in English and Spanish
newspapers in general circulation. Petaluma Transit will post rider information signage on its
vehicles based on the needs of the outreach campaign and those affected.Signage is available in
both English and Spanish.
Community-Based Organizations and Contractor Outreach
Outreach to contractors and community-based organizations regarding Petaluma Transit’s
Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) programs provides information about opportunities to
bid and compete for upcoming contracts. Petaluma Transit collaborates with DBE officers in
transit agencies across the Bay Area as members of the Business Outreach Committee (BOC) to
develop and stage four outreach and educational events each year.Events and workshops are in
addition to the BOC’s quarterly newsletter and announcements of upcoming contract
opportunities. These outreach events inform the contracting community of upcoming bid
packages, assist small contractors in developing relationships with prime contractors, and
examine ways to increase diversity in workforce participation.
Email Communication
Project-specific email blasts facilitate communication and feedback from the public. Email blasts
may be used to communicate with community-based organizations, stakeholders, advocacy
groups, merchants’ organizations, neighborhood groups,and other interested individuals.In
addition, the City of Petaluma sends out email newsletter blasts to the community multiple times
per week,which also include topical Transit information as needed.
Petaluma Transit also maintains a general email list consisting of those who have indicated they
wish to be notified of general Petaluma Transit news and outreach activities. The public can notify
Petaluma Transit of their interest via the transit.cityofpetaluma.net Web site, by phone, in
person, by mail, and at meetings.
Board of Directors’ Meetings
Agendas are available 72 hours before the Board meetings. Board meetings that involve fare and
service changes are advertised on a broader scale. Meeting times are communicated via bilingual
notices posted in transit vehicles, shelters, and major transfer hubs. Radio ads and media
placements in English and Spanish language newspapers are utilized to allow appropriate and as
resources. All Petaluma Transit Board meetings have a public comment period, and translators
are available on 72-hour request. Meetings are held at Petaluma City Hall, which is accessible by
transit. Petaluma Transit Board meetings are streamed on the internet and archived on the City’s
website http://cityofpetaluma.net/cclerk/archives.html. Board agendas, staff reports, and
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June 2021 B-11
meetings minutes are also available at http://cityofpetaluma.net/cclerk/archives.html.Note,
meetings are temporarily held exclusively via Zoom video conference and not in-person due to
COVID-19 safety protocols as of May 2021. Resumption of In-person meetings is anticipated for
later in the year.
All Board meeting agendas include the following notice:
In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you require special assistance to
participate in this meeting, please contact the City Clerk's Office at (707) 778-4360 (voice)
or (707) 778-4480 (TDD). Translators, American Sign Language interpreters, and/or
assistive listening devices for individuals with hearing disabilities will be available upon
request. A minimum of 48 hours is needed to ensure the availability of translation services.
In consideration of those with multiple chemical sensitivities or other environmental illness,
it is requested that you refrain from wearing scented products. The City Clerk hereby
certifies that this agenda has been posted in accordance with the requirements of the
Government Code.
In accordance with Government Code §54957.5, any materials of public record relating to
an agenda item for a regular meeting of the Transit Advisory Committee that are provided
to a majority of the members less than 72 hours before the meeting will be made available
at the City Clerk's Office, 11 English Street, during normal business hours. Materials of
public record that are distributed during the meeting shall be made available for public
inspection at the meeting if prepared by the City or a member of its legislative/advisory
body, or the next business day after the meeting if prepared by some other person.
For accessible meeting information, please call (707) 778-4360 or TDD (707) 778-4480.
Agendas and supporting documents can be found at:
http://cityofpetaluma.net/cclerk/archives.html.
Passenger Advisory Groups
The Petaluma Transit Advisory Committee serves as the Agency Passenger Advisory Committee
and fulfills other transit-related duties/functions in addition to working with community advisory
groups.Subcommittees and Ad-hoc committees can be formed from this group at any time to
address more specific passenger-related topics as needed.
Mobility Management Travel Training Programs
Petaluma Transit’s travel training consists of training for senior, disabled, and low-income
residents (also in Spanish) on using the fixed route bus system and navigating paratransit &
mobility alternatives. As part of the Petaluma’s Travel Training Program, training is provided via
group presentations and question and answer sessions on all the different transportation options
available to them in Petaluma, as well as “travel tours” with a guide in which small groups (3-5
people) experience riding the public bus first-hand.
Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) / Public Participation Plan
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The MTC plan details a comprehensive outreach program that includes outreach to minority and
low-income communities throughout the region. Components of the plan include telephone
surveys and focus groups representing the demographic composition of individual Bay Area
communities. MTC conducts limited outreach to community-based organizations in minority/low-
income areas and provides grants throughout the region to help fund outreach activities,
recruitment efforts for meeting participation, and meet language assistance needs via translators
and production of multilingual documents. Petaluma Transit is included as part of MTC’s regional
working group collaborating to address Title VI guidance on public outreach and participation
strategies. For more information, and to view MTC’s Title VI Plan, see:
https://mtc.ca.gov/about-mtc/access-everyone/civil-rights-act-file-complaint.
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Petaluma Transit –Title VI Program Attachment B: Public Participation Plan
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IV.Summary of Past Public Outreach
Petaluma Transit has promoted equal access to its programs and services and inclusive
participation over the past three years through the following strategies:
·Implementation of the language assistance measures outlined in the Limited English
Proficiency Plan (See Attachment C).
·Participated in community events (Butter and Eggs Parade in May –annually).
·Participated in publicly accessible goal setting meetings for the City of Petaluma which
were held in central, transit-accessible location to allow for maximum attendance.
Meetings were held in May-June 2019, 2020 and 2021.Spanish Translators were provided
at all meetings.
·All Transit Advisory Committee meetings were televised on the local Community Access
station and are also available for viewing online live or via archive.
·Coordination and partnership with community organizations.
·Worked closely with the City School District to provide transit information in both English
and Spanish.
·Provided school travel training sessions with youth (8-11 years old) on school campus
during orientation periods annually (August 2018,2019, cancelled for 2020 due to COVID).
·Provided travel training/mobility options events at the Petaluma Senior Center.
·Provided travel training/mobility options events at various senior housing facilities.
·Transit maps tailored to each of the four public middle and high schools were distributed
in print and posted online in English and Spanish.
·Periodic focus groups were conducted at the schools and junior college.
·Bilingual advertisement on buses about opportunities to participate with Petaluma
Transit.
·Emailed notice of opportunities to participate with Petaluma Transit are sent to the City’s
general mailing list.
·Videos on how to ride the bus were 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.
·Americans with Disabilities act and reusable accommodations request information was
made available online.
·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.
·All rider alerts are in both English & Spanish
·Rider Guide & Paratransit Guide available in English and Spanish
·All bus schedules at shelters are in both English and Spanish
·Worked closely with agencies that provide services to low income and/or persons with
disabilities to provide bus passes and travel training.
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Petaluma Transit –Title VI Program Attachment C: LEP Plan
June 2021 C-1
Petaluma Transit –City of Petaluma
Limited English Proficiency (LEP)Plan
I.Introduction
The City of Petaluma provides fixed-route transit and paratransit services through
Petaluma Transit, a Public Works & Utilities Department division.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.
II.Four Factor Analysis
The following analysis is used to determine the appropriate language services 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 2015-19 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,7.5% (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 spoken language and the
ability to speak English.
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June 2021 C-2
Language –Population 5 years and older
English only 44,347 76.8%
Language other than English 13,412 23.2%
Speak English less than "very well."5,594 9.7%
Spanish 9,815 17.0%
Speak English less than "very well."4,342 7.5%
Other Indo-European languages 1,981 3.4%
Speak English less than "very well."489 0.8%
Asian and Pacific Islander languages 1,410 2.4%
Speak English less than "very well."756 1.3%
Other languages 206 0.4%
Speak English less than "very well"7 0.0%
Factor 2: Frequency of LEP populations’ contact with existing programs, activities, and
services
Petaluma Transit conducted an onboard bilingual survey (English and Spanish)in 2016.
Of the total amount received, only 9.2%were completed in Spanish (28 out of 303).This
is a slight increase from 8.1%in 2014,and down from 11.6% in 2012, and 15.7% in 2010.
Among registered paratransit riders,1.5% indicate a language other than English as their
primary language.A 2018 survey conducted by the MTC had 4.2% of surveys completed
in Spanish.
Factor 3:Importance to LEP populations of programs, activities, and services
Petaluma Transit considers public transit to be an 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 or have limited English proficiency.
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
Transit Marketing Coordinator works to improve transit for Spanish speaking 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.Translation assistance is included in a number of outreach and customer
service tasks, including through bilingual staff whose salaries are included in personnel
budgets.
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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 order to 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 in Spanish
o Real-time phone translation assistance in 150+ languages (contracted)
·Transit Marketing Coordinator:
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
·The following critical written materials 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 as needed
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
and in additional languages via Google Translate
·Onboard written notices are provided in Spanish
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June 2021 C-4
·Pictography included on fareboxes to indicate proper fare payment procedures
without need for written language comprehension.
·Coordination of oral and written translation services for languages other than
English.
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
training for existing staff and including effective LEP assistance strategies in 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.Annual refresher trainings are provided to bus operators.
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Petaluma Transit –Title VI Program Attachment D: Systemwide Services Standards and Policies
June 2021 D-1
I.Systemwide Service Standards and Policies
Vehicle Load Standards
Mode Average Passenger Capacities
Vehicle Type Seated Standing Total Max Load Factor
-Peak
Max Load Factor
-Off-Peak
Regular Routes
30’Gillig LF 23 19 42 42/23 42/23
35’Gillig LF 34 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
30’n/a n/a n/a
35’Gillig 34 28 62 62/34 62/34
40’New Flyer LF 38 31 69 69/38 69/38
Vehicle Headways Standards
Mode Peak Base Evening
Weekday
Regular Routes 60
minutes
60
minutes
60
minutes
Tripper Routes n/a n/a n/a
Saturday
Regular Routes 60
minutes
60
minutes
60
minutes
Sunday
Regular Routes 60
minutes
60
minutes
60
minutes
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June 2021 D-2
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 are spaced between ¼ to ½ mile apart; on average will not be
more than four blocks apart.
Vehicle Assignment Policy
BUS ASSIGNMENTS BY SIZE FOR TRANSIT
SIZE 30'35'40'MILEAGE (in Ks)
ROUTE 2/11 2ND 1ST 3RD 152
ROUTE 11/2 2ND 1ST 3RD 152
ROUTE 3/33 2ND 1ST 3RD 223
ROUTE 10/24 1ST 2ND 3RD 151
ROUTE 301 3RD 2ND 1ST 10
ROUTE 302 3RD 2ND 1ST 11
ROUTE 303 3RD 2ND 1ST 12
ROUTE 311 AM 3RD 2ND 1ST 11
ROUTE 311 PM 3RD 2ND 1ST 34
ROUTE 312 3RD 1ST 2ND 34
ROUTE 501 AM 2ND 1ST 3RD 23
ROUTE 501 PM 2ND 1ST 3RD 23
846
Petaluma Transit has a vehicle fleet of fewer than 50 vehicles.
Transit Amenities Policy
Petaluma Transit assigns transit stop amenities based on the average count of boardings
and alightings, site suitability,physical constraints,and proximity to nearby destinations
and services.
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