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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