RVTA will respond to complaints of discrimination under Title VI that are filed.  RVTA will promptly investigate all complaints filed under Title VI in accordance with Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations at 49 CFR Section 21.11(b) and 21.11(c).  RVTA may delay its investigation if the complainant agrees to postpone the investigation.

1. FILE A COMPLAINT. Any person who believes she or he has been discriminated against on the basis of race, color, or national origin by River Valley Transit Authority (hereinafter referred to as “RVTA”) may file a Title VI complaint by completing and submitting RVTA’s Title VI Complaint Form.  This information is available on RVTA’s website (rideRVT.com).

RVTA investigates complaints received no more than 180 days after the alleged incident, unless the time for filing is extended by RVTA.  RVTA will process complaints that are complete.  An aggrieved individual may submit a complaint directly with the Federal Transit Administration (FTA).

All Title VI complaints should be filed to RVTA at the following addresses:

River Valley Transit Authority
Title VI Coordinator
1500 West Third Street
Williamsport, PA  17701
Phone: (570) 326-2500

Email: bkelley@rideRVT.com

2. COMPLAINT ACCEPTANCE. Once a complaint has been received and accepted by RVTA for investigation, RVTA will review it to determine if our office has jurisdiction.  The complaint will receive an acknowledgement letter informing her/him whether the complaint will be investigated by our office.
3. INVESTIGATIONS.  RVTA will make a prompt investigation whenever a compliance review, report, complaint or any other information indicates a possible failure to comply with this part.  The investigation will include, where appropriate, a review of the pertinent practices and policies of RVTA, the circumstances under which the possible noncompliance with this part occurred, and other factors relevant to a determination as to whether RVTA has failed to comply with Title VI.  RVTA has 60 days to investigate the complaint.  If more information is needed to resolve the case, RVTA may contact the complainant.  The complainant has 30 business days from the date of the letter to send requested information to RVTA personnel assigned to the case.  If RVTA is not contacted by the complainant or does not receive the additional information within 30 business days, RVTA can administratively close the case.  A case can be administratively closed also if the complainant no longer wishes to pursue their case.
4. Letters of Finding and Resolution. After RVTA reviews the complaint, they will issue one of two letters to the complainant:  a closure letter or a letter of finding (LOF) based on the findings:
5. A closure letter summarizes the allegations and states that there was not a Title VI violation and that the case will be closed.
6. A letter of finding (LOF) summarizes the allegations and the interviews regarding the alleged incident, and explains whether any disciplinary action, additional training of the staff member, or other action will occur. This letter explains why RVTA was not found to be in non-compliance with Title VI.  This letter will include each violation referenced as to the applicable regulations, a brief description of proposed remedies, and notice of the time limit on the conciliation process.
7. Appeals Process. If the complainant wishes to appeal the decision, they have 60 days after the date of the closure letter or the letter of finding (LOF) to do so.

An individual may appeal a complaint determination by mailing or submitting in person a written appeal to the Title VI Coordinator, at RVTA, 1500 West Third Street, Williamsport, PA 17701, requesting the determination be reviewed by the Appeals Board.  The appeal must: (1) specify the basis upon which the individual disputes the determination; and (2) sign and date the written appeal.  The Appeals Board shall afford the appellant the opportunity to be heard and present information and arguments, which are relevant to the determination which is the subject of the appeal. The Appeals Board will consider the appeal and issue a written decision within 30 days after filing the appeal.

6. The complainant also has a right to file a separate complaint with the:

Federal Transit Administration
Office of Civil Rights
1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
Washington, DC 20590

RVTA’s local Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), known as the Williamsport Area Transportation Study (WATS), also has a separate Title VI complaint procedures in place for any other transportation-related complaints within Lycoming County.

RVTA investigates complaints received no more than 180 days after the alleged incident, unless the time for filing is extended by RVTA.  RVTA will process complaints that are complete.  An aggrieved individual may submit a complaint directly with FTA.  This Title VI Complaint Form is available on the RVTA’s website (www.rideRVT.com).