Rail Industry News
July 2000

BCRail Concerned for Safety:
Stay Off the Tracks -- Trains Are Dangerous

Vancouver, BC, 4 July 2000, from BC Rail website - BCRail is tightening security and will be prosecuting trespassers on its railway right of ways. BCRail is concerned for the safety of people who use railway tracks for recreational purposes, particularly in the Squamish-Whistler-Pemberton corridor.

"We want to avoid a tragedy,” said Alan Dever, director of communications for BCR Group, the parent company of BCRail.

"With all the improvements we’ve made in noise reduction, such as the introduction of continuous welded rail lines that eliminate the traditional clacking sound when trains pass, there is an even greater danger for unauthorized pedestrians on the track," he said.

BCRail train crews have reported a number of near misses in the Squamish-Whistler-Pemberton area in recent weeks. In one case, a beloved pet was killed when the dog’s leash became entangled in the rail.

"We hope that parents, businesses that provide outdoors equipment and friends will pass the message: Stay off the Tracks. The tracks, right of way and railyards/equipment are not for hiking, biking, skiing, snowmobiling or to be used as playgrounds or shortcuts. They’re dangerous,” said Mr. Dever.

"To prevent accidents, we will be stepping up our patrols and BCRail Police will be pressing trespassing charges which carry a fine of up to $115," he said. "BCRail is a good corporate citizen and we do not want to have to notify a family of a serious injury or a death as a result of trespassing on the track sites."

BCRail is Canada’s third largest railway, operating exclusively in British Columbia with interline connections to all rail-served points in North America. BCRail serves industries such as forest products, coal, sulphur, petroleum products, chemicals and grain. BCRail also operates barging, passenger services and intermodal operations.

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