- Transport Minister David Collenette today announced that Canada and the United States have signed a memorandum of cooperation on railway grade crossing research. The agreement involves the exchange of grade crossing research information between Transport Canada's Transportation Development Centre (TDC) and the U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), for a period of three years. "This agreement allows Canada and the U.S. to exchange information, benefit from each other's research and knowledge and cooperate on specific research projects," said Mr. Collenette. "By working together, we'll be able to improve the safety and cost-effectiveness of grade crossing systems through technological, operational and human factor research." TDC and the FRA will inform each other of ongoing and intended research in order to minimize duplication. Each participant will be responsible for developing and funding projects in its areas of concern and for all aspects of its own research, including the overall design, management and performance of work. TDC has been conducting a Highway-Railway Grade Crossing Research Program since 1999 as part of Direction 2006, a 10-year, national initiative with the goal of halving the number of grade crossing collisions and railway trespassing incidents by 2006. The research program is designed to develop a better understanding of the factors contributing to grade crossing collisions and trespassing incidents and to enhance the effectiveness and range of countermeasures. "The Government of Canada is always looking for ways to share information and resources to enhance rail safety," added Mr. Collenette. "This partnership will help Direction 2006 reach its goal and help Transport Canada provide the best and safest transportation system for Canadians."

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Contact: Christina Van Loon

Transport Canada, Communications, Ottawa

(613) 993-0055

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