THE FOLLOWING STATEMENT HAS BEEN POSTED THROUGHOUT CHARLOTTE BY CATS SINCE THE SUMMER OF 2008:

Statement on Title VI Protection Against Discrimination

I firmly believe that the way the City of Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) treats people - whether employees or the general public whom we assist with transportation needs - is a reflection of how we accept responsibility to provide an essential service designed to enhance the quality of life for Charlotte area residents and visitors.

As a recipeient of funds administered by the U. S. Department of Transportation, it is the policy of CATS to effectuate Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 as amended, which requres that no person shall, on the grounds of race,  color, or national origin, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be otherwise subjected to discrimination in any program or activitiy which is federally funded.

Prohibited practices include but are not limited to:

*  Denying a person any service or benefit because of race, color, or national origin.

*  Providing a different service or benefit, or providing services or benefits in a different manner.

*  Locating facilities in any way that would limit or impede access to a federally funded service or benefit.

Under the Executive Order on Environmental Justice of Title VI guarantees fair treatment of people of all races, cultures, and incomes regarding the development of environmental laws, regulations and policies. Under Title Vi, CATS must:

*  Ensure involvement of low-income and minority groups in the decision making process (Public involvement).

*  Safeguard low-income and minority groups against disproportionately high and adverse human health or environmental impacts of its programs, policies, and activities.

*  Ensure low income and mminority groups receive their fair share of benefits.

The Civil Rights Officer is responsible for initiating and monitoring Title VI activities, preparing required reports and ensuring that CATS adheres to other compliance responsibilities as requred by applicable regulations. Where federal funds are involved, compliance of third party contractor at any tier and each sub-recipient at any tier under the project, with all requirements prohibiting discrimation on the basis of race, color, or national origin: will include nondiscrimination language in all written agreements. 

Individuals or organizations believing they have been a victim of discrimination based on race, color, or national origin in the provision of services, programs, activities, or benefits, mmay file a formal complaint directly with CATS Call Enter by telephone at (704) 336 RIDE, or via e-mail to catscustserv@ci.charlotte.nc.us , any designated staff, the City's Human Resources Department, the Federal Transit Administration, or mail to the Civil Rights Officer, Charlotte Area Transit System, 600 East Fourth Street, Charlotte, NC 28202

Keith T. Parker, AICP                                           7/10/08

Chief Executive Officer