Transport Canada boosts funding for rail safety

Canada's Minister of Transport Marc Garneau yesterday unveiled a new rail safety improvement program that provides more than 55 million Canadian dollars to bolster various safety efforts.

The program increases overall funding, expands the list of eligible recipients and broadens the scope of rail safety projects that could be funded, Transport Canada officials said in a press release.

The funding will be used to support safety improvements on rail property, along rail lines and at grade crossings. Potential projects include adding flashing lights, bells or gates at crossings; using new technologies for safety; creating public service announcements; performing outreach; and conducting other research and studies.

The funds also may be used to close crossings that present safety concerns, Transport Canada officials said.

"There are new technologies to improve railway safety that have proven effective, and through this new program, we can invest in them and expand their use nationwide," Garneau said.

Transport Canada will consider applications from provinces, territories, municipalities, local governments, road or transit authorities, Crown corporations, for-profit and not-for-profit organizations, indigenous groups or individuals.