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Railway Safety Act

The Canadian rail system includes both federal and provincial railways. Railways that cross provincial boundaries are governed by federal legislation, while railways that operate strictly within the boundaries of the province are governed by provincial legislation.

On April 1, 2004, British Columbia harmonized its railway safety legislation with that of the federal government by bringing the Railway Safety Act (RSA) into force. British Columbia's RSA adopts the technical regulations, rules and standards of the federal legislation.

Under the RSA, a Registrar of Railway Safety is established. The Registrar may issue operating permits to eligible railway companies, and, if appropriate, may exempt permit holders from certain provisions. The Registrar also has the authority to apply terms and conditions to an operating permit, and under certain circumstances, may cancel or suspend an operating permit. 

Every provincial railway company must comply with the adopted provisions under the RSA, and obtain an operating permit before April 1, 2005. New railways must obtain an operating permit prior to the start-up of operations.

The RSA will enhance safety by requiring railway companies to implement and maintain a safety management system. This formal framework sets out the company's rules and procedures, responsibilities and authorities, and monitoring and evaluation processes.

Under the RSA, the Province may delegate railway inspection and accident investigation services to independent agencies, allowing B.C. to access specialized expertise.

Operating Permits Issued to Provincial Railways (2004-present)

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Relevant Legislation

Railway Safety Act
Railway Safety Adopted Provisions Regulations

Fee Setting Criteria Regulation

Railway Safety Act Delegation Regulation

Railway Safety Act Transition Regulation

Administrative Agreement - BC Safety Authority

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Contact Information

For more information about obtaining a railway operating permit, please contact:

BC Safety Authority
Suite 400 - 88 6th Street
New Westminster, BC V3L 5B3

Email: info@safetyauthority.ca
Website: www.safetyauthority.ca/

Toll free: 1-866-566-SAFE (7233)
Phone: (604) 660-6286
Fax: (604) 660-6215
 

Other Contacts

Registrar of Railway Safety
Kristina Stevens
Office of Housing and Construction Standards
609 Broughton Street
Victoria, BC  V8W 1N3

Email: Safety.SafetyPolicy@gov.bc.ca

Phone: (250) 387-4095
Fax : (250) 387-6212

 

Transport Canada

Website: www.tc.gc.ca/rail/menu.htm

 page updated: March 24, 2005

 

 
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