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No. H013/01
For release February 6, 2001
TRANSPORT MINISTER PROVIDES INITIAL
RESPONSE TO TSB RECOMMENDATIONS
ON REAR-END COLLISION BETWEEN TWO
CANADIAN PACIFIC RAILWAY FREIGHT TRAINS
OTTAWA — Transport Minister David Collenette today provided an initial
response to the Transportation Safety Board (TSB) of Canada’s report on a
rear-end collision between two Canadian Pacific Railway freight trains near
Notch Hill, British Columbia on August 11, 1998.
"I would first like to recognize the TSB’s thorough work in
investigating the collision," said Mr. Collenette. "Transport Canada
takes the TSB recommendations very seriously, and is taking the necessary action
to ensure that they are addressed."
The Board has made the following two recommendations to Transport Canada.
"The Department of Transport and the railway industry implement
additional backup safety defences to help ensure that signal indications are
consistently recognized and followed."
Transport Canada supports the intent of this first recommendation. Together
with the Railway Association of Canada and the railway companies, the department
will continue to study new technologies that could provide for additional backup
safety defences. For example, Transport Canada is monitoring studies
currently being undertaken by Canadian Pacific Railway on improved radio and
locomotive cab communication which involves the use of head sets. The department
is also monitoring technologies such as Communication-Based Train Control (CBTC)
— also referred to as Positive Train Control Systems (PTC) — which enables
communication between trains, and could provide the required additional backup
to help prevent such accidents from occurring.
"The Department of Transport assess the impact of noise on voice
communication in locomotive cabs and ensure that crew members can effectively
communicate safety-critical information."
Transport Canada supports the intent of this second recommendation. The
department has recently undertaken an assessment of noise levels in locomotive
cabs, in conjunction with Human Resources Development Canada. Further to this
assessment, the department will be reviewing the impact of noise on voice
communication.
In response to the TSB’s reference to the current state of compliance with
the Canadian Rail Operating Rules (CROR), Rule 34 (the identification and
calling of the signals by the crew), Transport Canada will undertake
concentrated efforts across Canada to assess the situation, and take remedial
action if necessary.
"The TSB plays an important role in identifying areas where possible
improvements can be made in our transportation system," added Minister
Collenette. "Transport Canada is continually striving to improve the safety
of Canada’s railway system. For example, the Railway Safety Management
Systems Regulations, which will come into effect in March 2001, will further
improve railway safety by promoting a safety culture within the railway
industry, enabling railways to demonstrate their commitment to safety and their
compliance with regulatory requirements."
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Contact:
Anthony Polci,
Director of Communications,
Office of the Minister, Ottawa,
(613) 991-0700
Transport Canada is online at http://www.tc.gc.ca/.
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