Title VI

Notifying the Public of Rights Under Title VI

The Wadena County Friendly Rider is committed to ensuring that no person is excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of, or otherwise subjected to discrimination on the basis of race, color, or national origin under any program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance without regard to whether specific projects or services are federally funded. Transit programs and services are distributed in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act and related nondiscrimination authorities. Additionally, Wadena County Friendly Rider is committed to ensuring that its programs incorporate access for people with limited English proficiency.

Submitting Complaints

Any person who believes that they, individually, or as a member of any specific class of persons, have been subjected to discrimination on the basis of race, color, or national origin may file a discrimination complaint with Wadena County Friendly Rider using the complaint form (PDF). The complaint form and procedures are also available in hard copy upon request. 

Complaints can be submitted directly to Wadena County Friendly Rider and/or to the:
Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT), Office of Civil Rights, MS 430
Attention: Title VI Program
395 John Ireland Boulevard
St. Paul, MN 55155

Or Email Complaint Form to jean.meyer@state.mn.us 

Alternatively, a complaint may be directly filed 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 Avenue, SE
Washington, DC 20590

Language Translation

If you need information translated into another language, or require information in an alternative format, please contact Randy Jahnke - 229 Harry Rich Drive, Wadena MN 56482, or email Randy Jahnke.

Further Information

For more information about Wadena County Friendly Rider Title VI Program, and the procedures to file a complaint, please reference the Language Assistance Plan (PDF), and Appendix H: Title VI Complaint Procedure (PDF); by phone 218-631-5730; email Randy Jahnke; or visit our Administrative Office at:
229 Harry Rich Drive
Wadena, MN 56482

Riders with Limited Mobility

All our buses are fully accessible to people using mobility devices, including wheelchairs or scooters. Our drivers will assist riders with securing their mobility devices once they are inside the bus. Priority seating areas inside by the door are allocated for seniors and those riders with limited mobility.

Each bus is equipped with a power lift available to any rider unable to use the stairs to board or needing assistance to board the bus. Our power lifts can hold mobility devices up to 30 inches wide and 48 inches long.

Lift capacity varies on Friendly Rider's mixed fleet; some can hold 600 pounds or 800 pounds when occupied.

How to Board

• Please wait where the operator can see you. When your bus arrives, the driver will know to deploy the ramp or lift which helps save time.
• If you need to use the ramp or lift and the driver has not already deployed it, just ask. The driver can also assist you if you need help guiding your mobility device onto the ramp or lift.
• On board, look for the priority seating area near the front of the bus. Two securement areas are provided for mobility devices. The operator will help secure your mobility device.
• When the bus stops, the operator will remove the securement straps from your mobility device and deploy the ramp or lift for you.

Lift Tips

• Set the brakes on your mobility device and turn off the power.
• If you are standing on the lift, be sure to hold onto the handrail.
• Lifts can hold mobility devices up to 30 inches wide and 48 inches long.
• Lift capacity varies on Friendly Rider's mixed fleet; some can hold 600 pounds or 800 pounds when occupied.
• A personal attendant may ride the lift with you.
• Backing your mobility device onto the lift may make it easier to maneuver into the securement area inside.

Secure Your Device

On board, the bus operator will help secure your mobility device to ensure a safe and comfortable ride. The illustration shows how different types of mobility devices are secured.

Further Information

Need more information? We want to help! Feel free to check our frequently asked questions (FAQs) for answers or send us a message with your questions.