No. H 080/09
For release - June 3, 2009
OTTAWA — Canada's Transport Minister, John Baird, today announced that rules to enhance the safety of operators, passengers and other road users will soon be in place for transit operations under federal jurisdiction.
"These changes will make it safer for everyone involved, from transit passengers to motorists, and pedestrians," said Minister Baird. "This will greatly reduce the risk of driver fatigue-related incidents and collisions."
The amendment to the Commercial Vehicle Drivers Hours of Service Regulations will reduce fatigue by restricting the hours transit employees governed by federal rules can drive. Three transit services are affected by this change: OC Transpo in Ottawa, Gatineau's Société de transport de l'Outaouais, and Transit – Windsor.
The proposed amendments were published in the Canada Gazette, Part I on March 14, 2009. After considering all comments received, Transport Canada finalized the regulations and they will become law six months after publication in the Canada Gazette, Part II on June 10, 2009.
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