Buses, trains, subways, and other forms of transportation that charge set fares, run on fixed routes, and are available to the public.
Legal Requirements
In 2005 the U.S. Department of Transportation revised Title VI stating that those providing services must take the responsible steps to ensure meaningful access to the benefits, services, information, and other important portions of their programs and activities for individuals who are Limited English Proficient (LEP).
The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) references the DOT LEP guidance in its Circular 4702.1B, “Title VI Requirements and Guidelines for Federal Transit Administration Recipients,” which was published on October 1, 2012. Chapter III part 9 of this Circular reiterates the requirement to take responsible steps to ensure meaningful access to benefits and services
Consequences of Inadequate Language Access in Public Transportation
There are various reasons behind why people use public transportation. Some of these reasons are regular commuting to work or school, shopping and recreational trips, and trips to visit friends and doctors. If someone is unable to understand the bus schedule due to a language barrier than it can have consequences on their daily life.
Strategies for Improving Language Access in Public Transportation
In Austin there is a Capital Metro Board of Directors whose job is to stay in touch with all of the communities that are served. It would be suggested for them to conduct a survey in the community asking how services can be improved for LEP individuals.