- The Association of Regional Railways of Canada (ARRC) announced today that it will join the rail grade crossing/anti-trespassing program called Direction 2006.

Direction 2006 is a partnership between all levels of government, the railway industry, public safety groups, police, unions and community organizations with a goal of reducing grade crossing collisions and trespassing incidents by 50 percent by 2006 from 1996 levels.

The Transportation Safety Board of Canada reported in 2001 that almost 100 Canadians lost their lives in railway grade crossing and trespassing accidents, and another 69 people were seriously injured.  Cindy Hick, ARRC Vice-President said that ARRC members welcome the opportunity to participate in the Direction 2006 program and to play a role in further reducing these tragic statistics.

 “ARRC members and their employees are profoundly aware of the grim consequences resulting from grade crossing accidents and trespassing incidents and we are pleased to be able to work with other groups to help save lives on Canada’s railways”, said Mrs. Hick.

Additional information on the Direction 2006 program can be found at www.direction2006.com.

ARRC promotes the interests and perspectives of the short line and regional railways in Canada. The founding members of ARRC are BC Rail, The Hudson Bay Railway, The Carlton Trail Railway, and Ferroequus Railway Company Limited.  In 2000, ARRC members produced over 5 billion revenue-ton-miles, had revenues of approximately $450 million, operated 4,067 route-kilometres of track, and employed approximately 2,000 people.

Membership in ARRC is open to all short line and regional railways in Canada (both passenger and freight).

Contact:          Cindy Hick

                        hick@arrc.ca

                        (613) 726-7111

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