Ottawa – February 4, 2003 - BC Rail and OmniTRAX advised today they have made the decision to formally withdraw membership in ARRC.  Both railways cite major expense reduction initiatives as the primary reason for this decision.

Despite the decision to withdraw, BC Rail and OmniTRAX indicated this morning that “BC Rail and OmniTRAX continue to support ARRC’s mission and mandate.  ARRC’s progress in 2002 was outstanding.  We hope that ARRC will continue to forcefully represent the interests of short line and regional railways in Canada.  It is particularly important that Canada’s short lines and regional railways have a strong and independent voice at this point in our history, when Transport Canada is considering its Transportation Blueprint and stakeholders debate prospective changes to federal railway legislation for the future.”

Cindy Hick, Vice-President of ARRC, said that “we are, of course, disappointed with the BC Rail and OmniTRAX decision to withdraw from ARRC at this time, but we understand the circumstances that have led them to this decision.”  She also said that, “interest and support continues within the short line and regional railway community for ARRC.  We certainly intend to build on this success in 2003.”

ARRC was created in September 2001 to promote the interests 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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