Title VI Complaint Procedures

WTA complies with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and if you believe that you have received discriminatory treatment by the WTA on the basis of your race, color or national origin, you have the right to file a complaint with the WTA. 

Complaints related to: Services, Facilities or Due Process should be sent to the attention of the Title VI Coordinator at Whatcom Transportation Authority, 4111 Bakerview Spur, Bellingham, Washington 98226 or by telephone at (360) 676-6843-voice or (360) 676-6844-TTY.

1.    A complaint should be filed in writing, containing the name and address of the person filing it, and briefly describing the alleged violation.

2.    A complaint should be filed within one hundred and eighty (180) days after the complainant becomes aware of the alleged violation.

3.    An investigation, as may be appropriate, shall follow a filing of complaint.  Complaints related to: potential civil rights violation, such as those concerning transportation services, facilities or administrative/planning processes shall be conducted by the Title VI Coordinator.  These rules provide for thorough investigations, affording all interested persons and their representatives, if any, an opportunity to submit evidence relevant to a complaint.

4.    A written determination as to the validity of the complaint and a description of the resolution, if any, shall be issued by the Title VI Coordinator, and a copy forwarded to the complainant no later than thirty (30) days after its filing.

5.    The Title VI Coordinator shall maintain the files and records of the Whatcom Transportation Authority relating to the complaints filed.

6.    The complainant may request a reconsideration of the case to the WTA General Manager in instances where he or she is dissatisfied with the resolution.  The request for reconsideration should be made within thirty (30) days after its filing.

7.    A written determination as to the validity of the complaint and a description of the resolution, if any, shall be issued by the WTA General Manager, and a copy forwarded to the complainant no later than thirty (30) days after its filing.

8.    The right of a person to a prompt and equitable resolution of the complaint filed thereunder shall not be impaired by the person’s pursuit of other remedies such as the filing of civil rights complaint with the responsible federal department or agency.  Use of this grievance procedure is not a prerequisite to the pursuit of other remedies.

9.    These rules shall be construed to protect the substantive rights of interested persons to meet appropriate due process standards and to assure that the Whatcom Transportation Authority complies with the Title VI and implementing regulations.