Title VI
The following information is in English. If information is needed in another language, then contact 757-220-5493. Also, this website uses Google Translate, which can be found in the lower right corner.
La siguente informacion esta en ingles. Si se necesita informacion en orto idioma por favor contactar 757-220-5493. Tambien este sitio web ofrece el traductor de Google que se puede encontrar en la esquina inferior derecho
Your Rights Under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964
"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."What is Title VI?
Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 is the Federal law that protects individuals from discrimination on the basis of their race, color, or national origin in programs that receive Federal financial assistance.
No person or group of persons shall be discriminated against with regard to the routing, scheduling, or quality of transportation service furnished by Williamsburg Area Transit Authority on the basis of race, color, or national origin. Frequency of service, age and quality of vehicles assigned to routes, quality of stations serving different routes, and location of routes may not be determined on the basis of race, color or national origin.
For more information regarding WATA's Title VI plan and documents please feel free to contact us at info@gowata.org, or by phone at 757.220.5493
WATA's approved Title VI Plan can be viewed here (will open in a new window): Williamsburg Area Transit Authority Title VI Plan.
How can I file a discrimination complaint?
Any individual may exercise his or her right to file a complaint with WATA if that person believes that he or she has been subjected to unequal treatment or discrimination in the receipt of benefits or services.
A formal complaint must be filed within 180 days of the alleged occurrence. Complaints should be in writing and signed by the individual or his/her representative, and will include the complainant’s name, address and telephone number; name of alleged discriminating official, basis of complaint (race, color, national origin) and the date of alleged act(s). A statement detailing the facts and circumstances of the alleged discrimination must accompany all complaints.
In order for the complaint to include all the necessary information, it is recommended to file your complaint in writing, The link below will open a form to be completed for filing a Title VI complaint:
WATA Title VI Complaint Form
Formulario de Queja del Título VI
The form includes a mailing address to return the completed documentation, or the completed form can be sent via email at titlevi@gowata.org
If a complainant is unable or incapable of providing a written statement, a verbal complaint of discrimination may be made to the WATA Title VI Coordinator. In such a case, the complainant will be interviewed and the WATA Title VI Coordinator will assist the complainant in converting the verbal allegations to writing.
Upon receipt of a complaint, the Title VI Coordinator will provide written acknowledgment to the complainant within ten (10) business days by registered mail. This correspondence will include a discussion of the next steps in the process of resolving the complaint.
An individual may also file a complaint directly with the Federal Transit Administration at:
Federal Transit Administration
Office of Civil Rights
Attn: Title VI Program Coordinator
1200 New Jersey Avenue SE
Washington, DC 20590