{"id":18582,"date":"2025-12-01T00:49:24","date_gmt":"2025-12-01T05:49:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/staging.southeastareatransitdistrict.com\/?page_id=18582"},"modified":"2025-12-01T23:26:48","modified_gmt":"2025-12-02T04:26:48","slug":"policies-documents","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.southeastareatransitdistrict.com\/pt\/policies-documents\/","title":{"rendered":"Pol\u00edticas e documentos"},"content":{"rendered":"
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SEAT Policies & Documentation.<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Welcome to Southeast Area Transit District\u2019s (SEAT) Policies & Documents page, your central hub for official policies, reports, and plans. Here, you\u2019ll find resources organized into categories including civil rights compliance, accessibility policies, public engagement plans, and financial reports.<\/p>\n

Use the tabs below to quickly find the information you need. Each category includes a brief overview and a link to download the complete PDF so you can review the full policy or report in detail.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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Title VI Policy <\/div><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/summary>\n\t\t\t\t
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Title VI Policy Statement
<\/strong><\/span>Southeast Area Transit District is committed to ensuring that no person is excluded from participation, denied benefits, or otherwise subjected to discrimination under any program or activity, on the basis of race, color, national origin.<\/p>

Southeast Area Transit District as a recipient of federal financial assistance will ensure full compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, and related statutes and regulations in all Southeast Area Transit District programs and activities.<\/p>

Any person who believes that he or she has been subjected to discrimination or retaliation based on their race, color, national origin, may file a Title VI complaint. Complaints may be filed directly to Southeast Area Transit District or to the Federal Funding agency. Complaints must be filed in writing and signed by the complainant or a representative and should include the complainant\u2019s name, address, and telephone number or other means by with the complainant can be contacted. Complaints must be filed within 180 days of the date of the alleged discriminatory act.<\/p>

To request additional information on Southeast Area Transit District\u2019s non-discrimination obligations or to file a Title VI complaint, please submit your request or complaint in writing to:<\/p>

Distrito de Tr\u00e2nsito da \u00c1rea Sudeste
<\/b> Attn: Cherise Simpson, Title VI Coordinator
(860) 886 \u2013 2631 x \u2013 106
21 Route 12
Preston, CT 06365<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/details>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

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Title VI Compliance & Complaint Form <\/div><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/summary>\n\t\t\t\t
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Title VI Compliance and Investigation Procedures<\/strong><\/span><\/p>

These procedures cover all complaints filed under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, for alleged discrimination in any program or activity administered by SEAT.<\/p>

These procedures do not deny the right of the complainant to file formal complaints with other State or Federal agencies or to seek private counsel for complaints alleging discrimination. Every effort will be made to obtain early resolution of complaints at the lowest level possible. The option of informal mediation meetings(s) between the affected parties and SEAT may be utilized for resolution.<\/p>

Title VI Coordinator<\/strong>
Distrito de Tr\u00e2nsito da \u00c1rea Sudeste<\/strong>
21 Route 12<\/strong>
Preston, CT 06365<\/strong>
(860)-886-2631<\/strong><\/p>

The following measures will be taken to resolve Title VI complaints:<\/p>

  1. A formal complaint must be filed within 30 days of the alleged occurrence. Complaints shall be in writing and signed by the individual or his\/her representatives, and will include the complainant\u2019s name, address and telephone number; name of alleged discriminating official, basis of complaint (race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age), and the date of alleged acts(s). A statement detailing the facts and circumstances of the alleged discrimination must accompany all complaints.

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  2. In the case where the complainant is unable or incapable of providing a written statement, a verbal complaint of discrimination may be made to the SEAT Title VI Coordinator. Under these circumstances, the complainant will be interviewed, and the SEAT Title VI Coordinator will assist the complainant in converting the verbal allegations to writing.

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  3. When a complaint is received, the Title VI Coordinator will provide written acknowledgment to the complainant, within ten (10) days by registered mail.

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  4. If the complaint is deemed incomplete, additional information will be requested, and the complainant will be provided 15 business days to submit the required information. Failure to do so may be considered good cause for a determination of no investigative merit.

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  5. Within 15 business days from receipt of a complete complaint, SEAT will determine its jurisdiction in pursuing the matter and whether the complaint has sufficient merit to warrant investigation. Within five (5) days of this decision, the General Manager or his\/her authorized designee will notify the Complainant and Respondent, by registered mail, informing them of the disposition.

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  6. If the decision is not to investigate the complaint, the notification shall specifically state the reason for the decision.

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  7. If the complaint is to be investigated, the notification shall state the grounds of the jurisdiction, while informing the parties that their full cooperation will be required in gathering additional information and assisting the investigator.

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  8. When SEAT does not have sufficient jurisdiction, the General Manager or his\/her authorized designee will refer the complaint to the appropriate State or Federal agency holding such jurisdiction.

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  9. If the complaint has investigative merit, the General Manager or his\/her authorized designee will assign an investigator. A complete investigation will be conducted, and an investigative report will be submitted to the General Manager within 60 day from receipt of the complaint. The report will include a narrative description of the incident, summaries of all persons interviewed, and a finding with recommendations and conciliatory measures where appropriate. If the investigation is delayed for any reason, the investigator will notify the appropriate authorities, and an extension will be requested.

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  10. The General Manager or his\/her authorized designee will issue letters of finding to the Complainant and Respondent within 90 days from receipt of the complaint.

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  11. If the Complainant is dissatisfied with the resolution of the complaint, he\/she has the right to file a complaint with the Department Office of Civil Rights, addressed below:

    Department Office of Civil Rights
    <\/strong>U.S. Department of Transportation
    <\/strong>1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
    <\/strong>Washington, DC 20590
    <\/strong>(202) 366-4648
    <\/strong>(202) 366-5992
    <\/strong>TTY Access: (202) 366-9696
    <\/strong>DC Relay: (202) 855-1000<\/strong><\/li><\/ol>

    Southeast Area Transit District is committed to ensuring that no person is excluded from participation, denied benefits, or otherwise subjected to discrimination under any program or activity, on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability.<\/p>

    Southeast Area Transit District as a recipient of federal financial assistance will ensure full compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, and related statutes and regulations in all Southeast Area Transit District programs and activities.<\/p>

    Any person who believes that he or she has been subjected to discrimination or retaliation based on their race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability may file a Title VI complaint. Complaints may be filed directly to Southeast Area Transit District or to the Federal Funding agency. Complaints must be filed in writing and signed by the complainant or a representative and should include the complainant\u2019s name, address, and telephone number or other means by with the complainant can be contacted. Complaints must be filed within 180 days of the date of the alleged discriminatory act.<\/p>

    To request additional information on Southeast Area Transit District\u2019s non-discrimination obligations or to file a Title VI complaint, please submit your request or complaint in writing to:<\/p>

    Distrito de Tr\u00e2nsito da \u00c1rea Sudeste <\/strong>
    Attn: Cherise Perkins, Title VI Coordinator
    (860) 886 \u2013 2631 x \u2013 106
    21 Route 12
    Preston, CT 06365<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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    The below linked form can be printed out and mailed to the above Southeast Area Transit District address to file a complaint in relation to Title VI Policies.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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    ADA Policy for Violent & Disruptive Behavior <\/div><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/summary>\n\t\t\t\t
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    ADA Policy for Violent & Disruptive Behavior
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    The purpose of this policy is to ensure the safety of SEAT Drivers, staff, riders, and equipment and the continuity of service, against inappropriate behavior, damage, service interruptions, violence and unsanitary environmental hazards or conditions. This policy applies to all SEAT buses and facilities.<\/p>

    Any individual that engages\/threatens violent, disruptive or illegal conduct or creates unsanitary conditions or represents a direct threat to the health or safety of others may be temporarily denied service in accordance with this policy.<\/p>

    Activities or conditions include but are not limited to:<\/p>

    1. Any physical contact, intimidation and\/or harassment toward a SEAT driver, staff or another rider

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    2. Talking too loudly or yelling

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    3. Eating or drinking on a SEAT bus, unless such action is required under SEAT\u2019s ADA reasonable accommodation provisions

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    4. Attempting to distract driver\u2019s attention

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    5. Playing loud music

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    6. Smoking or vaping

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    7. Discarding litter on the bus or in a SEAT facility

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    8. Inconsiderate cell phone usage or use of cell phone speaker

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    9. Not wearing pants, shirt and shoes.

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    10. Attempts to threaten or intimidate a SEAT, driver, staff or another rider

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    11. The use of profanity whether directed at other riders, staff or in general use in conversation

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    12. Attempting to board with large carriages, carts or an excessive number of bags which require more than one boarding of the vehicle, unless such action is required under SEAT\u2019s ADA reasonable accommodation provisions<\/li>
    13. Attempting to board with bags or other packages which are leaking or draining or otherwise unsanitary

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    14. Attempting to board the bus with visible signs of any insect infestation (Bed bugs, fleas, etc.) or other unsanitary condition.

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    15. Participation in illegal or other activity, including but not limited:
      a. Use or sale of illegal substances
      b. Possession of or drinking from an open container of alcohol
      c. Possession of weapons, explosive or hazardous materials
      d. Gambling

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    16. Damaging or destroying transit vehicles, facilities\/properties or the personal property of another passenger or transit driver

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    17. Throwing objects out of windows

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    18. Creating unsanitary conditions which expose riders and transit personnel to health risk such as bodily fluids, feces, open wounds, trash

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    19. Panhandling on SEAT Vehicles and SEAT Facilities

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    20. Failure to follow the lawful direction of the transit personnel or other authorities<\/li><\/ol>

      If it has been determined that the behavior of a rider warrants the denial or suspension of service, the duration of the suspension shall be determined by SEAT based upon the nature and severity of the infraction and SEAT reserves the right to require riders to provide assurances that the violating behavior will not be repeated during transport before restoring service.<\/p>

      All violent and\/or illegal conduct that occurs during transport shall be reported to local law enforcement.<\/p>

      Questions<\/strong><\/span><\/p>

      Questions about this policy\/procedure and how the suspension of service may be appealed, should be directed to SEAT\u2019s Operations Manager or General Manager. You can inquire regarding the above via our Contact Us page<\/a>.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/details>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

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      Limited English Proficiency Plan (LEP) <\/div><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/summary>\n\t\t\t\t
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      Access to Services by persons with Limited English Proficiency (LEP)
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      Introduction<\/b><\/p>

      This Limited English Proficiency (LEP) Plan has been prepared to address Southeast Area Transit District\u2019s responsibilities as a recipient of federal financial assistance as they relate to the needs of individuals with limited English language skills. The plan has been prepared in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964; Federal Transit Administration Circular 47052.1A dated May 13, 2007, which states that the level and quality of transportation service is provided without regard to race, color, or national origin.<\/p>

      Executive Order 13166, titled Improving Access to Services for Persons with Limited English Proficiency, indicates that differing treatment based upon a person\u2019s inability to speak, read, write or understand English is a type of national origin discrimination. It directs each federal agency to publish guidance for its respective recipients clarifying their obligation to ensure that such discriminations do not take place. This order applies to all state and local agencies which receive federal funds.<\/p>

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      Plan Summary<\/b><\/p>

      Southeast Area Transit District (SEAT) is the provider of public transportation service in New London County. SEAT has developed this LEP Plan to help identify reasonable steps for providing language assistance to persons with Limited English Proficiency who wish to access services provided by SEAT. As defined in Executive Order 13166, LEP persons are those who do not speak English as their primary language and have limited ability to read, speak, write or understand English. This plan outlines how to identify a person who may need language assistance, and the ways in which assistance may be provided.<\/p>

      In order to prepare this plan, SEAT undertook the U.S. Department of Transportation (U.S.DOT) four-factor LEP analysis which considers the following factors:<\/p>

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      1. The number and proportion of LEP persons in the service area who may be served or are likely to encounter a SEAT program, activity or service.
        The SEAT staff reviewed the 2011 U.S. Census American FactFinder Report and determined that approximately 35,518 persons in New London County [13.7% of the population] speak a language other than English. Of those 35,518 persons 54.7% speak English \u201cvery well\u201d while 45.3% speak English less than \u201cvery well.\u201d In New London County, of those persons with limited English proficiency, 14,846 speak Spanish, 12,813 speak Indo-European languages, 7,124 speak Asian and Pacific Island languages, and 770 speak \u201cother languages.\u201d

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      2. The frequency with which LEP persons come in contact with SEAT programs, activities or services.
        The SEAT staff reviewed the frequency with which office staff, dispatchers and drivers have, or could have, contact with LEP persons. To date, SEAT has at least 2 to 3 requests per month via telephone for an interpreter in Spanish. SEAT has an average of 1,300 calls per month.

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      3. The importance of programs, activities or services provided by SEAT to the LEP population.
        There is no large geographic concentration of any type of LEP individuals in the service area for New London County. The overwhelming majority of the population, 86.3%, speaks only English. 5.7% speak Spanish or Spanish Creole, 4.9% speak Indo-European languages 2.7% speak Asian and Pacific Island languages and .3% speaks \u201cother languages.\u201d SEAT staff are most likely to encounter LEP individuals through office visits, phone conversations and notifications from the office of impacts on services and fare increases.<\/li>
      4. The resources available to SEAT and overall cost to provide LEP assistance.
        SEAT staff reviewed its available resources that could be used for providing LEP assistance. SEAT utilizes the bi-lingual dispatcher to translate documents into a Spanish translation if needed. SEAT is currently researching a company which offers a language line to LEP individuals. Essentially other language translations would be provided through the telephone interpreter line for which SEAT would pay a fee.
        Based on the four-factor analysis, SEAT developed its LEP Plan as outlined in the following section.<\/li><\/ol>

        Limited English Proficiency LEP Plan Outline<\/strong><\/p>

        How SEAT and staff may identify an LEP person who needs language assistance:<\/p>