ECCOG’s Outback Express
The Outback Express is a scheduled demand responsive system offering service to older adults, persons with disabilities, and the general public in the sparsely populated but large geographic area of Cheyenne, Elbert, Kit Carson and Lincoln counties on the central plains. To ensure a seat on the bus is available, a 24-hour advance reservation is appreciated. All vehicles are white with blue stripes and are clearly marked “Outback Express”.
The four counties, working with their regional association, the East Central Council of Local Governments (ECCOG), cooperatively offer public transit services. This system is funded with a federal grant from the Federal Transit Administration through the Colorado Department of Transportation and with local government support.
A fare system has been established, based on 11 cents per mile. The round-trip fare is charged from the pick-up location to the destination and back. One-way trips are accommodated (such as to DIA) if possible.
ECCOG’s Outback Express Discrimination Complaint Procedure
Federal law prohibits discrimination based on race, color, national origin, age, sex, or disability in any Outback Express program or activity.
Federal law requires that Outback Express investigate, track, and report discrimination complaints. Complaints must be filed in writing and will be investigated within sixty days of submission. If you need assistance to file your complaint or need interpretation services, please contact the ECCOG toll free at (800) 825-0208.
Who is eligible to file a complaint?
Anyone who believes they have been excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of, or otherwise subjected to discrimination under any Outback Express program or activity because of their race, color, national origin, age, sex, or disability may file a complaint.
Discrimination includes lack of access, harassment, retaliation and disparate impacts from a program or activity. Harassment includes a wide range of abusive and humiliating verbal or physical behaviors. Retaliation includes intimidating, threatening, coercing, or engaging in other discriminatory conduct against anyone because they filed a complaint or otherwise participated a discrimination investigation.
How do you file a complaint?
Complaints must be filed in writing within 180 days from the last date of the alleged discrimination. However, contact the CDOT CRBRC if you believe your complaint may fall outside this deadline.
The Outback Express will make reasonable efforts to assist persons with disabilities, non-English speakers, and others unable to file a written complaint. For assistance in filing a complaint, please contact the ECCOG toll free at (800) 825-0208.
While not required, complainants are encouraged to use the Discrimination Complaint Form which can be found at www.eccog.com
Complaints may be submitted via email, fax or in person to one of the following:
ECCOG Outback Express
128 Colorado Avenue
PO Box 28
Stratton, CO 80836
(800) 825-0208
Complaints may also be filed directly with one of the following agencies:
CDOT CRBRC (Headquarters)
Title VI Coordinator
4201 East Arkansas Ave., Room 150
Denver, CO 80222
dot_civilrights@state.co.us
Phone: (800) 925-3427
Fax: (303) 952-7088
Federal Transit Administration Office of Civil Rights
East Building, 5th Floor TCR
1200 New Jersey Ave. SE
Washington, DC 20590
What happens after a complaint is filed with ECCOG?
Most complaints will be investigated within sixty (60) days. Investigating a complaint includes interviewing all parties involved and key witnesses. The investigator may also request relevant information such as books, records, electronic information, and other sources of information from all involved parties.
In some cases, Outback Express must forward complaints to either CDOT, the Federal Highway Administration or Federal Transit Administration for investigation. If your complaint is forwarded to one of these agencies, you will be provided the name and contact information of the employee handling your complaint.
Federal law prohibits retaliation against individuals because they have filed a discrimination complaint or otherwise participated in a discrimination investigation. Any alleged retaliation should be reported in writing to the investigator.
Questions?
Contact the Civil Rights & Business Resource Center toll free at (800) 925-3427
or email: dot_civilrights@state.co.us: (720) 963-3333
City of Burlington
With equipment provided under the umbrella of ECCOG’s Outback Express organization, this city service is available on a request basis to individuals who ordinarily would not be able to get around the City of Burlington. One vehicle is assigned to this service and the suggested donation is $0.25 per one-way trip. The vehicle operates within a six-mile radius of the city limits. NOTE: The suggested donation may have recently increased, please check with the City for the most current information.
Service operates from 8am to 5pm, Monday to Friday, with a 24-hour advance reservation required.
For More Information, please contact:
Phone: 719-346-8652
Fax: 719-346-8397
A fare system has been established, based on 11 cents per mile. The round-trip fare is charged from the pick-up location to the destination and back. One-way trips are accommodated (such as to DIA) if possible.
Town of Limon
Using a vehicle partially funded by the ECCOG’s Outback Express organization, the Town of Limon provides limited scheduled demand-responsive service three days per week. Hours are from 11am to 3pm Tuesdays and Thursdays and 10am to 3pm Fridays. A fare of $2.00 allows the rider to make all stops necessary at the grocery store, pharmacy, clinic, bank, post office, etc. NOTE: The fare may have recently increased, please check with the Town for the most current information.
For More Information, please contact:
Phone: 719-775-2346
Fax: 719-775-9073
Title VI Plan. Click link to download PDF form
Complaint Downloadable Forms