Black Bus Rider Files Discrimination Complaint Against LRTA

LOWELL, MA — A Black immigrant woman, who said she has been racially harassed and discriminated against by employees of the Lowell Regional Transit Authority while traveling on the bus for work, has filed a complaint under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Lawyers for Civil Rights said Monday.

Lucia Appia was leaving the bus station in Lowell, on Jan. 22 when a white LRTA employee said, “Shut up you low class Black person,” according to Lawyers for Civil Rights.

Appia is originally from the Ivory Coast, and holds a master’s degree and is a home-based certified nurse assistant, according to Lawyers for Civil Rights. Appia reported the incident to Lowell Transit Authority management, as soon as it happened, she said. But Appia and her attorneys say the LRTA did not adequately respond and investigate, and referred to the incident as a mere 'joke'"

"The LRTA takes such complaints and concerns like this very seriously and will undertake the appropriate investigation," Lowell Regional Transit Authority Administrator David Bradley said in a phone interview Tuesday.

Previously, Appia reported a bus driver after he refused to open the rear door of the bus for her, claiming the door was broken, but then opened the door for white patrons. That bus driver was also white.

“Being Black while riding the bus should not subject us to discrimination and insults,” said Appia. “I hope that my complaint causes the LRTA to take a close look at the communities they serve and the service they provide.”

The LRTA, as a recipient of federal financial assistance, is subject to Title VI.

"No employer can shirk its responsibility to investigate and remedy discriminatory behavior by its employees," said Lawyer For Civil Rights Attorney Sophia Hall who represents the woman. "The public needs to feel confident that LRTA’s complaint protocols are more than mere mirages."