Canada’s railways support funding for grade crossing improvements

The Railway Association of Canada (RAC) and its members support additional funding for grade crossing improvements and closures, introduced today by Transport Minister Marc Garneau.

“The vast majority – more than 90 per cent – of rail-related fatalities in Canada are due to motor-vehicle collisions at railway crossings or trespassing on railway property,” said Michael Bourque, RAC’s President and CEO. “Increased investment in railway crossing infrastructure and education are the most effective ways to stop these preventable accidents.”

Canada’s railways believe that more can and should be done to inform Canadians about crossing safety and the dangers of trespassing. The rail industry and Transport Canada share the cost of Operation Lifesaver – an initiative aimed at saving lives by educating Canadians about the hazards surrounding rail property and trains. In addition to greater investment in crossing improvements and public education, the railway industry is also encouraging municipalities to adopt the FCM-RAC Proximity Guidelines, to increase safety, and reduce unnecessary conflict arising from railway-community proximity.

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Contact:

Alex Paterson
Railway Association of Canada
613-564-8111
apaterson@railcan.ca

About the Railway Association of Canada

The Railway Association of Canada (RAC) represents more than 50 freight and passenger railway companies that move 75 million people and more than $280 billion worth of goods in Canada each year. As the voice of Canada’s railway industry, RAC advocates on behalf of its members and associate members to ensure that the rail sector remains globally competitive, sustainable, and most importantly, safe. Learn more at railcandev.wpengine.com. Connect with us on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.