Public Input Opportunities for Draft Title VI Policy

The Rapid Seeks Public Comment for Draft Title VI Policy

Grand Rapids, July 29, 2013 – The Rapid is seeking public comment on a draft Title VI Disparate Impact and Disproportionate Burden Policy used to evaluate impacts of a potential fare structure change, as well as any fare changes associated with any new service, such as the Division Avenue Bus Rapid Transit System. The policy establishes thresholds to determine when impacts of any fare structure change disproportionately and adversely affect minority and low income populations.  The thresholds established by this policy create an acceptable difference of adverse impacts between protected and non-protected populations. 

The Rapid is not considering a fare increase at this time, rather potential changes to the current fare structure that could involve the creation of more period passes and other changes, such as one-week passes.

The details of the policy will be reviewed at public meetings at Rapid Central Station, and will also be posted to The Rapid’s website (http://www.ridetherapid.org/about/titleVI). Hard copies of the draft policy will be provided upon request.

The Rapid developed this draft Policy in response to recent changes made by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) to its Title VI requirements (http://www.fta.dot.gov/documents/FTA_Title_VI_FINAL.pdf). We want to ensure that the riding public is aware of our draft policy and has the opportunity to provide input on the proposed policy. 

Public input can be provided via email to gro.diparehtedir@soiyonomn (please indicate “fare structure change” in the subject line, phone (616-776-1100), or at the following public meetings:

Thursday, August 1, 2013 – 9:00am-10:00am at Rapid Central Station, 2^nd floor Conference Room

Wednesday, August 7, 2013 – 4:30pm-6:30pm at Rapid Central Station, 2^nd floor Conference Room

Rapid Central Station is located at 250 Grandville Ave. SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503.