Closed
Rail Safety Improvement Program (RSIP) - Research and Education Component
Funding for rail safety infrastructure, research, and education projects
Last Update: April 10, 2026
Funding available
$ 1,000,000
Timeline
- Closing date : January 24, 2024
Location
Canada
Overview
The Rail Safety Improvement Program – Research and Education Component offers up to $1,000,000 per recipient annually to support projects that enhance rail safety through education, awareness, research, and the development of new technologies. Eligible activities include raising public awareness of rail hazards, conducting research to improve rail safety, and developing training curricula and safety measures for at-risk groups.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase performance through digital transformation
- Increase social or community impact
- Develop strategic partnerships
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 1,000,000 $
- Up to 50% of project cost
Timeline
- Closing date : January 24, 2024
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Transportation and warehousing
- Educational services
- Public administration
Location
- Canada
Legal structures
- Non-profit
- Public or Parapublic institution
- For-profit business
- Sole proprietorship
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Indigenous Peoples
- Rural or Northern Residents
- Canadians
- Youth (<40)
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Higher Education
- Other Education
- Research
- Environment
- Economic, Social and Community Development
- Employment and Training
- Children and Youth Organizations
- Diversity and Inclusion
Target groups
- General public
- Children & youth
- Young adults
- Indigenous peoples
- Nonprofits / charities
- Academia / students
Revenue structures
- All structures
Scope
- Local
- Municipal
- Regional
- National
- International
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Projects that increase awareness and understanding of the hazards at road/railway grade crossings and the dangers of trespassing on railway property, especially within at-risk groups and high-risk areas.
- Initiatives that support the development of formal training programs or measures to promote safe driving practices near rail lines and at grade crossings.
- Research projects that enhance understanding of behaviours, attitudes, and rail safety issues, including studies targeting specific at-risk groups near rail lines.
- Development, testing, or promotion of technologies or safeguards aimed at improving safety for railway workers and the public along rail lines and within railyards.
- Projects aimed at sharing and disseminating findings or information widely to improve rail safety across multiple communities or stakeholder groups.
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Provinces and territories
- Municipalities and local or regional governments
- Road and transit authorities
- Crown corporations (including VIA Rail)
- For-profit organizations (such as railway operators, railway owners)
- Not-for-profit organizations (including academia)
- Indigenous groups, communities, and organizations
- Individuals and private landowners
Eligible expenses
- Salaries and benefits for staff directly involved in the project.
- Costs for printing, publication, and distribution of informational materials.
- Room rentals and facility costs for project activities.
- Conference registration fees related to the project.
- Professional fees for contracted services, including translation, information development, data collection, analysis, and processing.
- Purchase or lease of capital assets required for the project.
- Administrative expenses such as rent, insurance, office equipment rental, and membership fees (up to 15% of total federal contribution for overhead).
- Travel expenses, including accommodation, vehicle rental, transportation (bus, train, airplane, taxi), and meal allowances, as per federal rates.
- Costs directly approved by the Minister as required for the project's success.
- Eligible in-kind contributions, provided they are essential for the project and have been approved, excluding donations from third parties.
Eligible geographic areas
- Provinces and territories across Canada.
- Municipalities and local and regional governments within Canada.
- Indigenous communities and organizations located in Canada.
Additional information
- RSIP is currently not accepting applications; the last deadline was January 24, 2024.
- Contribution payments are disbursed through reimbursement of eligible costs or upon achieving predetermined milestones.
- Funding agreements may be subject to audits by Transport Canada.
- Annual and final reporting, including data collection on performance indicators, is required as part of the contribution agreement.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Rail Safety Improvement Program (RSIP) - Research and Education Component Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the Rail Safety Improvement Program (RSIP) - Research and Education Component. This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.
What is the Rail Safety Improvement Program (RSIP) - Research and Education Component?
The Rail Safety Improvement Program – Research and Education Component offers up to $1,000,000 per recipient annually to support projects that enhance rail safety through education, awareness, research, and the development of new technologies. Eligible activities include raising public awareness of rail hazards, conducting research to improve rail safety, and developing training curricula and safety measures for at-risk groups.
How much funding can be received?
Rail Safety Improvement Program (RSIP) - Research and Education Component Funds up to 50% of admissible expenses, capped at $1,000,000 per project.
Who is eligible for the Rail Safety Improvement Program (RSIP) - Research and Education Component program?
To be eligible for the Rail Safety Improvement Program (RSIP) - Research and Education Component program, you must:
Open to for-profit organizations such as railway operators and owners.
Eligible for not-for-profit organizations, including academia.
Must demonstrate capacity to complete the proposed project.
What expenses are eligible under Rail Safety Improvement Program (RSIP) - Research and Education Component?
Projects that increase awareness and understanding of the hazards at road/railway grade crossings and the dangers of trespassing on railway property, especially within at-risk groups and high-risk areas.
Initiatives that support the development of formal training programs or measures to promote safe driving practices near rail lines and at grade crossings.
Research projects that enhance understanding of behaviours, attitudes, and rail safety issues, including studies targeting specific at-risk groups near rail lines.
Development, testing, or promotion of technologies or safeguards aimed at improving safety for railway workers and the public along rail lines and within railyards.
Projects aimed at sharing and disseminating findings or information widely to improve rail safety across multiple communities or stakeholder groups.
Who can I contact for more information about the Rail Safety Improvement Program (RSIP) - Research and Education Component?
You can contact Transport Canada (TC) by email at TC.RSIP-PASF.TC@TC.GC.CA or by phone at 1-866-995-9737.
Where is the Rail Safety Improvement Program (RSIP) - Research and Education Component available?
The Rail Safety Improvement Program (RSIP) - Research and Education Component program is available across Canada.
Is the Rail Safety Improvement Program (RSIP) - Research and Education Component a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Rail Safety Improvement Program (RSIP) - Research and Education Component is a Grant and Funding