Rail Safety Improvement Program (RSIP) - Research and Education Component

• Contribution funding of up to 50% of total eligible expenditures per project.
• Maximum contribution amount is $1,000,000 per recipient per fiscal year.
• Development of training curricula may be reimbursed up to 100% of total eligible expenditures.
• Overhead costs are eligible up to 15% of the total federal contribution.
• Total government funding (municipal, provincial, territorial, and federal) cannot exceed 100% of total eligible expenditures.

• The applicant must be a province, territory, municipality, local or regional government, road or transit authority, crown corporation (including VIA Rail), for-profit organization, not-for-profit organization (including academia), Indigenous group, community, or organization, or an individual/private landowner.
• The project must aim to improve rail safety by addressing education and awareness or advancing research and technology related to rail safety.
• The project must align with the objectives of reducing rail-related injuries, fatalities, or incidents at grade crossings, or address risks such as trespassing or safety near rail lines.
• The applicant must demonstrate the capacity and relevant experience to successfully carry out and manage the proposed project.

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.

• Alignment of the project with the Rail Safety Improvement Program objectives and demonstration of how it will enhance rail safety through knowledge, research, technology, education, or awareness.
• Impact and scope of the proposed project, including potential benefits, innovation, and strategies to maximize reach.
• Performance measurement strategy, including clear goals, expected outputs and outcomes, and methodology for measuring success.
• Relevant experience and capacity of the applicant, including a qualified team and a track record of successful project delivery.
• Quality and comprehensiveness of the project plan, including a realistic budget, timeline, risk management strategies, and identification of funding sources or partnerships.

• 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.