Title VI Plan for ATS Trans, LLC, Beyond the Borders, RT Rural Transit


Updated: 2/27/2025

Introduction

ATS Trans LLC, dba Around the Sound/TransPro, coordinates, develops, and implements transportation options for residents in the Puget Sound Area who have limited or no access to public transportation. This includes informational outreach and education while maintaining a commitment to quality transportation services.

Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits discrimination based on race, color, and national origin in programs and activities receiving Federal financial assistance. ATS Trans LLC is committed to ensuring that no person is excluded from participation in, or denied benefits of, its transportation services based on race, color, or national origin, as stated in Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Circular 4702.1.B.

Authorities

  • Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, 42 U.S.C

  • Federal Transit Laws, Title 49, U.S. Code, Chapter 53

  • 49 CFR 1.51

  • 49 CFR part 21

  • 28 CFR 42.401

Title VI Notification

ATS Trans LLC has adopted a Title VI Plan, with notifications posted:

  1. Public Notice – Published in the local newspaper as a legal announcement.

  2. Vehicle Postings – Notifications in all vehicles directing the public to our website for access to the plan and to submit comments or complaints.

  3. Driver Training – Staff training on how to share Title VI information and assist individuals in obtaining the plan or filing a complaint.

Sample Public Notification:
ATS Trans LLC does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, or sexual preference in accordance with Title VI, Civil Rights Act of 1964.
To review the ATS Trans Title VI Plan, visit ATSTrans.org or scan the QR code.

Complaint Process

Filing a Complaint

Individuals who believe they have experienced discrimination under Title VI may file a complaint through:

Complaint Requirements

A complaint must include:

  • Name, mailing address, and contact details.

  • Details of the incident (how, when, where, and why you believe discrimination occurred).

  • Names and contact information of any witnesses.

Complaints must be filed within 180 days of the incident.

What Happens After Filing a Complaint?

  1. The ATS Title VI Officer will process and investigate complaints.

  2. If additional information is required, the complainant will be contacted.

  3. ATS will inform the complainant of the investigation results and their right to appeal.

External Complaint Contacts

Complainants may also file with:

  • Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT)
    Public Transportation Division, Attn: Title VI Coordinator
    PO Box 47387, Olympia, WA 98504-7387

  • Federal Transit Administration Office of Civil Rights
    Attn: Title VI Program Coordinator
    1200 New Jersey Ave SE, Washington, DC 20590

  • U.S. Department of Justice
    Civil Rights Division, Coordination and Review Section
    950 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20530

Title VI Investigations & Reporting

ATS will track and report all complaints received and submit them to WSDOT quarterly. Reports will include:

  • Date of complaint, investigation, or lawsuit filing.

  • Summary of allegations.

  • Status of complaint/investigation.

  • Actions taken by ATS or other organizations involved.

All documents related to complaints will be retained for six years past the resolution of the complaint.

Limited English Proficiency (LEP) Plan

Purpose

ATS is committed to breaking down language barriers and ensuring meaningful access for individuals with Limited English Proficiency (LEP).

Four-Factor Analysis

  1. LEP Population in Service Area

    • Spanish (38.5%), Korean (14.65%), Russian (6.4%) are the most common LEP languages in our service area.

  2. Frequency of Contact

    • ATS primarily interacts with LEP individuals via phone, email, or transit vehicle contact.

  3. Importance of Services

    • Access to transportation is critical for LEP populations.

  4. Resources & Costs

    • ATS provides Spanish-speaking representatives and has contracted telephonic interpreter services (Cross Cultural Communications).

Implementation Plan

  • ATS will track LEP requests and provide translated materials in the top LEP languages.

  • The Google Translate feature will be available on the ATS website.

  • ATS will partner with local organizations to ensure outreach to LEP communities.

Public Participation & Community Engagement

  • ATS participates in the Pierce County Coordinated Transportation Coalition (PCCTC) to identify service needs.

  • ATS ensures outreach materials are distributed in diverse community locations.

  • Public meetings are announced via:

    • The Pierce County website

    • Social media and community partnerships

Service Standards

Fixed Route Services

  • Headway – Minimum 60-minute intervals unless modified by contract.

  • On-Time Performance – 98% or better.

  • Vehicle Assignments – Based on demand; fleet adjusted as needed.

  • Transit Amenities – Vehicles equipped with bike racks, safety cameras, and proper securement devices.

Demand-Responsive Services

  • Available Monday-Saturday, 6:00 AM - 12:00 Midnight.

  • Sunday services by advance reservation.

  • Service areas include Pierce, King, Thurston, and Kitsap Counties.

Ratification & Updates

The ATS Board of Directors has reviewed and ratified this Title VI Plan. This document will be reviewed annually to incorporate policy changes and community feedback.

For further information, please visit www.atstrans.org or contact ATS Trans LLC at (253) 858-7088.