Metro's Commitment to Civil Rights - Title VI

The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (Metro) is committed to ensuring that no person is excluded from participation in or denied the benefits of its services on the basis of race, color or national origin, as provided by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended.

Toward this end, it is Metro's objective to:

  • Ensure that the level and quality of transportation service is provided without regard to race, color or national origin;
  • Identify and address, as appropriate, disproportionately high and adverse human health and environmental effects, including social and economic effects of programs and activities on minority populations and low-income populations;
  • Promote the full and fair participation of all affected populations in transportation decision making;
  • Prevent the denial, reduction or delay in benefits related to programs and activities that benefit minority populations or low-income populations; and
  • Ensure meaningful access to programs and activities by persons with limited English proficiency (LEP).

The General Manager, senior management, and all supervisors and employees share the responsibility for carrying out Metro's commitment to Title VI. The Title VI staff is responsible for the day-to-day operation of the program and the Civil Rights staff receives and investigates Title VI complaints that come through the complaint procedures process as described in the next section.

Documents describing Metro's Title VI Policy are available for download in the four languages listed below. These documents are also available upon request by calling 202-962-1082.

Metro's Title VI Complaint Procedures

Any person who believes that he or she has been subjected to discrimination under Title VI on the basis of race, color or national origin may file a Title VI complaint with Metro within 180 days from the date of the alleged discrimination. Complaints may either be filed with Metro or with the U.S. Department of Transportation.

Filing a Complaint With Metro

Complaints may be filed with Metro in writing and may be addressed to:

Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority
Office of Civil Rights, Title VI Coordinator, 7G-03
600 5th Street, NW
Washington, DC 20001

You can download a copy of the Title VI Complaint Form in the following languages:

Or you can obtain a copy of the Title VI Complaint Form by calling 202-962-1082.

Metro will provide appropriate assistance to complainants who are limited in their ability to communicate in English.

Filing a Complaint Directly to the U.S. Department of Transportation

A complainant may file a Title VI complaint with the U.S. Department of Transportation by contacting the Department at:

U.S. Department of Transportation
Federal Transit Administration’s Office of Civil Rights
1760 Market Street, Suite 500
Philadelphia, PA 19103-4124

What Happens to My Title VI Complaint to Metro?

Once a complaint is received, it will be recorded in the Customer Relations Management database and assigned to an investigator. In instances where additional information is needed, the investigator will contact the complainant in writing. Failure of the complainant to provide the requested information by a certain date may result in the administrative closure of the complaint or a delay in complaint resolution.

Based upon receipt of all the information required, the Office of Civil Rights will investigate a Title VI complaint within 90 days of receipt. The investigator will prepare a draft written response subject to review by Metro's Director of Civil Rights (CIVR). The Director of CIVR will make the final determination and approve the final response to the complainant, including notifying the complainant of his/her right to file a complaint externally.

The Office of Civil Rights will use its best efforts to respond to a Title VI complaint within 90 calendar days of its receipt of such complaint. Receipt of additional relevant information and/or simultaneous filing of complaint with Metro and an external entity may expand the timing of the complaint resolution.

For additional information on Metro's nondiscrimination obligations, please write to:

Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority
Office of Civil Rights Title VI Coordinator, 7G-03
600 5th Street, NW
Washington, DC 20001


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