Title VI / Nondiscrimination

• Introduction
• Contact Information
• How do I file a Complaint?
• What Happens to my Complaint After it is Submitted?
• How Will I be Notified of the Outcome of my Complaint?

Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (referred to as Title VI) prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, or national origin in programs and activities receiving Federal financial assistance. Specifically, Title VI provides that “no person in the United States shall, on the ground of race, color, or national origin, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.”

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Consistent with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and other related nondiscrimination statutes, regulations, and authorities, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), as the operator of SunRail commuter train service, has a broad policy on prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, handicap/disability and income status. Individuals or organizations who believe they have been subjected to discrimination under Title VI, may file a written complaint with FDOT. More information about how to file a Title VI complaint is provided below.

Title VI Plan and Service & Fare Equity Analysis

In early 2024, SunRail successfully completed the SunRail Title VI Plan and Service & Fare Equity analysis for the new 12-mile northern extension to DeLand.

Download the Title VI Program and Nondiscrimination Policy (PDF – 67mb)

To provide feedback, contact either of the Title VI Coordinators below:

How do I File a Title VI Complaint?

Any person who believes that he or she, or any specific class of persons, has been discriminated against on the basis of race, color, or national origin by FDOT, may file a formal (written) or verbal (non‐written) Title VI complaint. In compliance with civil rights provisions of other federal statutes, any individual who believes that he or she, or any specific class of persons, has been discriminated against on the grounds of sex, age, disability, religion or family status may also file a formal (written) or verbal (non‐written) Title VI complaint. FDOT may investigate complaints received no more than 180 days after the alleged incident and then will process complaints that are complete.

The steps to file a formal Title VI complaint include:

1. Written formal complaints shall be submitted on FDOT’s Title VI/ Nondiscrimination Form or SunRail’s Title VI/Nondiscrimination Complaint Form (PDF) to the SunRail Title VI Coordinator. Printed forms are also available at the address listed above, Monday-Friday during normal office hours between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.
2. Written formal complaints should be submitted in writing via postal service mail, email or fax to the contact identified above.
3. Formal Title VI complaints submitted in writing shall be signed by the Complainant and/or the Complainant’s Representative. Complaints shall set forth as fully as possible the facts and circumstances surrounding the alleged discrimination and shall include the following information:
   • Name, address, and phone number of the Complainant.
   • A written statement of the complaint, including the following details:
     • Basis of complaint (i.e., race, color and national origin).
     • The nature of the incident that led the Complainant to feel discrimination was a factor.
     • A detailed explanation of the alleged discriminatory act(s).
     • The date or dates on which the alleged discriminatory event or events occurred.
   • If applicable, name(s) of alleged discriminating official(s).
   • Other agencies (state, local, or federal) where the complaint is also being filed (if applicable).
   • Complainant’s signature and date.
4. If information regarding SunRail Title VI Complaint procedures is needed in another language, please contact Mr. Roger Masten at (321) 257-7161 for assistance. If you are hearing or speech impaired, please contact the agency using the Florida Relay Service, 1 (800) 955-8771 (TDD) or 1 (800) 955-8770 (voice). To obtain the SunRail Title VI Complaint procedures in Spanish, please contact Mr. Roger Masten for assistance. Para obtener los procedimientos de queja de SunRail título VI en español, comuníquese con el Sr. Roger Masten al (321) 257-7161 para asistencia.

SunRail’s representative will assist persons with filing a complaint, as needed. Back to top

What Happens to my Complaint After it is Submitted?

1. All verbal/non‐written complaints received by SunRail shall be resolved informally when feasible. Informal complaints can be received by phone as listed above. However, once a complaint is written it becomes a formal complaint. If the issue has not been satisfactorily resolved through informal means, or if at any time the person(s) request(s) to file a formal written complaint, the SunRail Title VI Coordinator shall process the complaint in accordance with approved FDOT formal complaint procedures.
2. Once the complaint is received, FDOT will review it to determine the agency or organization with jurisdictional authority. The Complainant will receive an acknowledgement letter informing her/him whether the complaint will be investigated by FDOT or forwarded to the appropriate agency or organization for response.
3. FDOT has 30 days to investigate the complaint. If more information is needed to investigate the complaint, FDOT may contact the Complainant. In the event of such request, the Complainant has 30 days from the date of the letter to provide the requested information. If FDOT is not contacted by the Complainant or does not receive the additional information within 30 days, FDOT can administratively close the investigation. An investigation can also be administratively closed if the Complainant no longer wishes to pursue their complaint.
4. After the Title VI Compliance personnel reviews/investigates the complaint, she/he will issue a response letter to the Complainant. However, all findings related to alleged Title VI violations will be forwarded to FTA for formal findings and development of a closure letter. A closure letter summarizes the allegations, states that there was not a Title VI violation, and informs the Complainant that the case will be closed. If the Complainant wishes to appeal the decision, she/he has 10 days after the date of the closure letter to do so.
5. Both formal and verbal/non‐written complaints received by FDOT are documented, logged and tracked. Once the investigation is complete, the Complainant is notified of the outcome of the investigation. If the Complainant is dissatisfied with the outcome of the investigation, the investigative file/information will be reviewed by the next highest management level within the organization. Back to top
   

How Will I be Notified of the Outcome of my Compliant

SunRail will use its best efforts to respond to Title VI complaints in writing within 30 days of receipt of such complaints.

In addition to the complaint process at SunRail, individuals and organizations may also file a complaint with the Federal Transit Administration’s Office of Civil Rights by obtaining the complaint form at: www.transit.dot.gov/regulations-and-guidance/civil-rights-ada/file-complaint-fta. Back to top