Title VI & Language Assistance

Ben Franklin Transit (BFT) is committed to ensuring that no person is excluded from participation in or denied the benefits of its transit services on the basis of race, color, or national origin.

Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, or national origin in programs and activities that receive federal financial assistance. These protections are detailed in Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Circular 4702.1.B.

Please call 509.734.5107 for additional information on BFT’s antidiscrimination practices, including our Title VI complaint procedures.

30-Day Public Comment & Public Hearing Notice: TITLE VI Program Update & Language Assistance Plan

Ben Franklin Transit will hold two open houses and a public hearing regarding the agency’s updated Title VI Program and Language Assistance Plan.

The first virtual open house will take place on June 17 from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. via Microsoft Teams.

Teams Link: Virtual Open House  Meeting ID: 292 761 296 576 8 Passcode: ca6hb6b8 Dial in by phone  +1 253-527-1980,,739481955# United States, Tacoma (844) 640 7974, 739481955# United States (Toll-free) Find a local number Phone conference ID: 739 481 955#

A second open house will take place on June 19 from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Three Rivers Transit Center, located at 7109 W. Okanogan Pl., Kennewick, WA 99336, with a virtual option available via Microsoft Teams.

Teams Link: Three Rivers Open House Meeting ID: 225 062 368 112 8 Passcode: X5bL3X6t Dial in by phone +1 253-527-1980,,192618862# United States, Tacoma (844) 640-7974,,192618862# United States (Toll-free) Find a local number Phone conference ID: 192 618 862#

The public hearing will take place on July 17 during the rescheduled BFT Board of Directors meeting that begins at 6 p.m. at 1000 Columbia Park Trail, Richland, WA 99352.

Meeting attendance options include in person, virtual via Zoom, or dial-in by phone.

• Spanish language translation is available via Zoom.
• Zoom Link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/98962178731?pwd=OGg1amhEQXA0RG5QRTdqNnFpRGN5dz09
• Meeting ID: 227 388 001 437 1
• Passcode: Xj3sF96A

Dial in by phone
+1 253-527-1980,,56269608# United States, Tacoma
(844) 640-7974,,56269608# United States (Toll-free)
Find a local number
Phone conference ID: 562 696 08#

Members of the public are encouraged to attend and provide feedback on how these documents can be improved to ensure that BFT equitably serves the area’s marginalized populations.

Additional comments will be accepted during a 30-day public comment period. Commenters can submit input in writing, by email, or by phone call to the Ben Franklin Transit Title VI Coordinator through Wednesday, July 2, 2025.

Writing
Ben Franklin Transit Title VI Coordinator
1000 Columbia Park Trail
Richland, WA 99352

Email
TitleVICoordinator@bft.org

Phone call
Title VI Customer comment line at 509.734.5107

Filing a Title VI Complaint

Individuals may file a signed, written complaint within 180 days from the date of the alleged discrimination. The complaint should include the following information:

• Name, mailing address, and how to contact you (i.e., telephone number, email address, etc.)
• How, when, where, and why you believe you were discriminated against, including the location, names, and contact information of any witnesses
• Other information that you deem significant

The complaint may be filed in writing, or individuals may contact Ben Franklin Transit at the following address or phone numbers:

Ben Franklin Transit
Title VI Coordinator
1000 Columbia Park Trail

Richland, WA 99352-4851
Phone: 509.734.5107

BFT encourages all complainants to submit complaints in writing, preferably through certified mail through the U.S. Postal Service, and/or ensure that all written correspondence can be tracked easily. For complaints originally submitted by fax, an original, signed copy of the complaint must be mailed to the Title VI Coordinator as soon as possible but no later than 180 days after the complainant becomes aware of potential discrimination. Verbal complainants will be advised to follow this procedure, and if unable to, accommodation for any disability, language concern, or other issue to be arranged by the Title VI Coordinator.

Complaint After Submittal to BFT

BFT will directly address all complaints alleging discrimination based on income, race, color, or national origin in a service or benefit provided by BFT. BFT shall also provide appropriate assistance to complainants, including those with disabilities or who are limited in their ability to communicate in English. Additionally, BFT shall make every effort to address all complaints in an expeditious and thorough manner.

In instances where additional information is needed to investigate the complaint, BFT will appropriately contact the complainant in writing unless otherwise requested. Please note that a complainant’s failure to provide the requested information may result in the administrative closure of the complaint.

Once BFT receives sufficient information to investigate the complaint, it will prepare a draft written response for review by the transit’s attorney. If appropriate, the BFT attorney may administratively close the complaint. In this case, BFT will notify the complainant of the action as soon as possible.

Notification of Outcome of a Complaint

BFT will send a final written response to the complainant and advise the complainant of his or her right to:

1. Appeal within seven calendar days of receipt of the final written decision from BFT and/or
2. File a complaint externally with the U.S. Department of Transportation and/or the Federal Transit Administration.

BFT will make every effort to respond to Title VI complaints within five working days of receipt of such complaints, if not sooner. In addition to the complaint process described above, a complainant may file a Title VI complaint with the following offices: