No. H 036/09
For release - March 11, 2009
OTTAWA — Transit safety for passengers and other road users in Ottawa, Gatineau and Windsor will be enhanced as a result of a proposal announced today by Canada's Transport Minister, John Baird.
If approved, the amendment to the Commercial Vehicle Drivers Hours of Service Regulations would make work–rest rules mandatory for drivers of the Ottawa transit service (OC Transpo), Société de transport de l'Outaouais and Transit Windsor. The regulations would reduce fatigue by limiting the number of hours a person can drive a commercial motor vehicle.
"Transit operators must be rested and alert — for the safety of motorists, pedestrians and cyclists who share the road," said Minister Baird. "This new amendment makes work–rest rules mandatory and will make our roads safer."
Federally regulated transit authorities have been exempt from the Commercial Vehicle Drivers Hours of Service Regulations since 1989.
The proposed amendment from the Government of Canada will be published in the Canada Gazette, Part I, on March 14, 2009. A 30–day response period will follow, when interested parties may provide their comments to Transport Canada.
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