Rail Safety Improvement Program (RSIP)

The new Rail Safety Improvement Program builds on three previous rail safety programs: the Grade Crossing Improvement Program (GCIP); the Grade Crossing Closure Program (GCCP); and Operation Lifesaver with an increased overall funding level, an expanded list of eligible recipients and a broadened scope of projects that could be funded to enhance rail safety.

The new program is a comprehensive approach to improving the safety of rail transportation across Canada, through two key components: Infrastructure, Technology and Research; and Public Education and Awareness.

Infrastructure, Technology and Research

The Infrastructure, Technology and Research component replaces both the existing Grade Crossing Improvement Program (GCIP) and the Grade Crossing Closure Program (GCCP). The new program has an enhanced focus on addressing the needs of communities of all sizes by making more safety improvements eligible and increasing federal investment. This component will focus on lower cost/high impact improvements although eligible projects could vary from small safety improvements to full pedestrian overpasses if funding is available. Under the new program, grant funding will continue to be available to encourage the closure of high-risk crossings in addition to funding small-scale improvements. 

Public Education and Awareness

Considering that trespasser accidents accounted for 61% of fatalities, more can be done to improve rail safety through outreach, education and awareness. Building on the successful results and lessons learned from existing programs such as Operation Lifesaver, Transport Canada will make transfer payment funding available to eligible recipients through a ‘two-stream’ approach, including: a national public information and education campaign dedicated to contributing to the reduction of railway grade crossing collisions and trespassing incidents on railway property; and, targeted regional or municipal education and awareness initiatives to address high risk areas. This component will also be used to support research, studies and analysis that will contribute to a better understanding of behaviour, attitudes and impact of rail safety issues including post-accident community trauma assessment. Research outcomes could be used to adapt education and awareness activities to meet the needs of targeted groups, such as Indigenous communities.

October 2016