It’s Time to Rethink How We Do Transit – At Delaware Transit Corporation (DTC), we understand the importance of a safe, convenient and efficient public transportation system. Public transit connects us with the places we want to go, while giving us independence, flexibility and the ability to live, work and play throughout our communities and the First State.
Over the past several years, the demand for both our bus and paratransit services in Delaware has continually increased. This ongoing demand has caused service challenges contributing to decreased performance and the inability to expand services. We want to improve DART transit services to create more convenient transportation options for all Delawareans. However, we also recognize that transit must be financially sustainable. To solve these challenges, we must work together on plans to redesign current services, expand options and improve performance of existing services.
DTC is also committed to complying with the requirements of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964: “No person in the United States shall, on the grounds of race, color, or national origin, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.”
Please join us as we host a series of DART Information Sessions. The sessions will provide an overview of our Title VI program and policies, as well as a presentation on the state of public transportation in Delaware. While the sessions are scheduled for three hours, the presentation will be repeated frequently during the course of each session, so you can come anytime within the scheduled times. There will also be opportunities for interaction with DTC staff to answer your questions and listen to your comments. The sessions are being held:
Tuesday, September 24
| 10 AM to 1 PM | Georgetown Public Library | 123 W. Pine Street, Georgetown, DE 19947 |
| 4 PM to 7 PM | Dover Public Library | 35 Loockerman Plaza, Dover, DE 19901 |
Wednesday, September 25
| 10:30 AM to 1:30 PM | Newark Free Library | 750 Library Avenue, Newark, DE 19711 |
| 5 PM to 8 PM | Wilmington DoubleTree Hotel | 700 King Street, Wilmington, DE 19801 |
Thursday, September 26
| 4:30 PM to 7:30 PM | Lewes Public Library | 111 Adams Avenue, Lewes, DE 19958 |
As part of these Information Sessions, DTC seeks public comment on its draft Disparate Impact Policy and Disproportionate Burden Policy, both of which are part of the Title VI program. These policies define a threshold for determining when DTC’s proposed major service or fare changes will have a disproportionate impact on minority populations and/or low-income populations.
The policies will guide DTC as it looks to:
- ensure accessible and equitable transit services
- make needed improvements/adjustments to services and fares
- provide cost-effective transportation options
A presentation explaining DTC’s Draft Disparate Impact Policy and Disproportionate Burden Policy can be viewed at http://www.dartfirststate.com/TitleVI.
Interested individuals may provide comments on the Title VI policies until October 4, 2013, by mail to:
Delaware Transit Corporation
Attn: Title VI
900 Public Safety Boulevard, Dover, DE 19901, or
Phone Message (302) 760-2105 or (302) 576-6105
Email DTCTitleVI@state.de.us
Fax (302) 760-2915
An informational brochure on the state of public transportation in Delaware is also available on our website at http://www.dartfirststate.com/RightFit.
All locations for the Information Sessions are accessible. If you have other questions about attending the sessions, please call 1-800-652-DART (3278), option 2, and we’ll be glad to assist you. You may contact this same number if you need an accommodation such as an interpreter for the hearing impaired or a language translator. Please make your accommodation request no later than September 20, 2013.
DTC looks forward to your participation and your input as we work to improve public transit in the First State. Thank you for your involvement and interest in DART…Getting There Starts Here.
