Ottawa - January 20, 2003

The Association of Regional Railways recently presented its report card to members highlighting the major achievements during its first year of operation.

Cindy Hick, Vice-President of ARRC, said, "We are extremely pleased with the support and encouragement ARRC has received from all stakeholders, including government officials at the federal and provincial levels, during the first year."

Among the many highlights reported were:

1. The establishment of a new confidential members category in direct response to issues raised by short line and regional railways (SL/RRs) about their relationships with the two Class I railways should they become public members of ARRC. Members in the confidential category can take advantage of the significant benefits offered by ARRC membership, but can do so anonymously.
   
   
2. ARRC’s success in building visibility and credibility with politicians and senior officials within the federal government and several provincial governments.
   
   
3. ARRC’s participation in government-sponsored agencies and other initiatives, e.g., 
   -  Transport Canada Railway Safety Consultative Committee
   -  Transport Canada Dangerous Goods Advisory Council
   -  Railway Research Advisory Board
   -  Direction 2006 (the federal/provincial grade crossing safety program)
   -  Transportation Association of Canada's Education Coalition
   -  Transportation Committee of the Ottawa Chamber of Commerce
   -  Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport
   
   
4. ARRC developed contacts with Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta Transportation Departments
   
   
5. ARRC published policy positions in the areas of viability of SL/RRs, infrastructure improvements, public interest issues, safety and security, environment, and transportation. In addition, ARRC published its specific position on running rights in an effort to clarify misinformation being provided to policymakers and other SL/RRs.
   
   
6. ARRC submitted a formal, comprehensive submission to Transport Canada with 29 specific recommendations as input to the development of the Transportation Blueprint.
   
   
7. ARRC was invited to participate in the Saskatchewan Ministry of Transport’s review process related to the proposed development of railway regulations in Saskatchewan.
   
   
8. ARRC was invited by the Association of American Railroads in the U.S. to provide input in response to concerns of the U.S. Surface Transportation Board concerning arbitrary charges imposed in some circumstances at interchange.
   
   
9. ARRC launched its redesigned website at www.arrc.ca.
   
   
10. ARRC provided technical support, information and advice to members in the area of regulatory compliance under the Railway Safety Act and Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act.

ARRC was created in September 2001 to provide a strong, independent voice to promote the interests and perspectives of the short line and regional railways in Canada.

Membership in ARRC is open to all short line and regional railways in Canada (both passenger and freight). Information on membership in either the public or private categories is available on the website at www.arrc.ca.

Contact:    Cindy Hick
                (613) 726-7111
                hick@arrc.ca

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