Language Access in Transit Act

The Language Access in Transit Act would add a new statutory obligation to federal transit funding law. Specifically, it amends 49 U.S.C. § 5332 to require the Secretary of Transportation to take affirmative action so that all recipients of federal financial assistance under this chapter provide meaningful language access to services for limited English proficient (LEP) individuals. In practical terms, this means the federal government would be directing DOT to ensure transit agencies and other recipients offer language access—such as translation of materials, interpretation services, and other measures—to ensure LEP riders can access services on an equal basis. The bill also updates the cross-references in the nondiscrimination provisions to explicitly include this new language-access requirement. The result could strengthen and standardize how transit providers serve LEP populations across the country.