TITLE VI OF THE CIVIL RIGHTS ACT OF 1964                                

The Transit Joint Powers Authority for Merced County (TJPAMC), which is the governing body for The Bus, operates its programs and services without regards to race, color or national origin in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act.

Any person who believes he or she has been aggrieved by any unlawful discriminatory practice under Title VI may file a written complaint with TJPAMC “The Bus” or with the Federal Transit Administration, or the Department of Justice. Federal and State law requires complaints be filed within one-hundred eighty (180) calendar days of the alleged incident and include the signature of the complainant

Transit Joint Powers Authority for Merced County Title VI Plan   (2023 - 2026) 

For more information on The Bus civil rights program and the procedure to file a complaint contact:

The Bus Administration Office at: 

357 W. 18th Street, Merced, CA 95340

Phone: (209) 723-3100 Fax: (209) 723-0322

Email: customerservice@mercedthebus.com

Obtain a Complaint Form (Spanish form) or at The Bus Admin office: 357 W. 18th Street, Merced, CA 95340

A complainant may file a complaint directly with the Federal Transit Administration by filing a complaint with the Office of Civil Rights Attention: Title VI Program Coordinator East Building, 5th Floor-TCR 1200 New Jersey Ave., SE Washington DC 20590. More information can be found Find more information from the Federal Transit Administration.



Title VI Complaint Procedure

  1. Title VI complaint forms may be downloaded (linked below) or requested from Transit Administration. The complainant may also submit a written statement that contains all of the following information:
  2. Name, address, and telephone number of the complainant.
  3. The basis of the complaint (race, color, national origin).
  4. The date or dates on which the alleged discriminatory event or events occurred.
  5. The nature of the incident that led the complainant to feel discrimination was a factor.
  6. Names, addresses and telephone numbers of persons who may have knowledge of the event.
  7. Other agencies or courts where complaint may have been filed and a contact name.
  8. Complainant’s signature and date.
  9. If the complainant is unable to write a complaint, TJPA staff will assist the complainant, if requested by complainant.
  10. Complainants have the right to complain directly to the appropriate federal agency. Complaints must be filed within one-hundred eighty (180) calendar days of the last alleged incident.
  11. TJPA will begin an investigation within fifteen (15) working days of receipt of a complaint.
  12. TJPA will contact the complainant in writing no later than thirty (30) working days after receipt of complaint for additional information, if needed. If the complainant fails to provide the requested information in a timely basis, TJPA may administratively close the complaint.
  13. TJPA will complete the investigation within ninety (90) days of receipt of the complaint. If additional time is need for investigation, complainant will be contacted. A written investigation report will be prepared by the investigator. This report shall include a summary description of the incident, findings and recommended corrective action.
  14. A closing letter will be provided to the complainant and the respondent or respondent department. Parties will have five (5) working days from receipt of the closing letter to appeal. If neither party appeals, the complaint will be closed.
  15. If required, the investigation report will be forwarded to the appropriate federal agency.


Complaints may be mailed, faxed or emailed to the address below:


Transit Joint Powers Authority for Merced County

357 W. 18th St. Merced, CA 95340.

(209) 723-3100 Fax (209) 723-0322

customerservice@mercedthebus.com

or

Federal Transit Administration

Office of Civil Rights

1200 New Jersey Avenue SE

Washington, DC 20590