Terms of Reference
ACRS Working Group on Locomotive Voice and Video Recorders
Context
Following a VIA rail train derailment in Burlington, Ontario on February 26, 2012, the Minister referred the issue of Locomotive Voice Recorders (LVRs) to the Advisory Council on Rail Safety (ACRS) for immediate consideration.
ACRS has established a LVR Working Group to study the issue, report on its progress and make recommendations to ACRS.
Objective
The purpose of the Working Group is to conduct a comprehensive examination of LVRs as well as inward and outward facing video with the objective of providing options and recommendations on the best approach including considerations (such as pros/cons, investment/costs, benefits and parameters). This will include examining the uses, access, limitations, and retention (ownership and lifecycle of recordings).
General Principles
The following general principles will govern the Working Group:
- Working Group members have full opportunity to voice their opinions and participate;
- Discussions and decisions will be made acknowledging the range of viewpoints from various stakeholders who are participating;
- Discussions will take place in the spirit of cooperation and in recognition of the shared goal of railway safety;
- Working Group members agree to work towards consensus wherever possible; (where, consensus cannot be reached TC as the regulator will decide)
- Working Group members will meet as often as required to ensure work plan timelines are met.
Documentation
All documentation for working group meetings, including agendas and decision records will be sent to all working group members in a timely manner.
Deliverables
A final report with recommendations will be made to the Minister within six (6) months (no later than by December 31, 2012).
Reporting
Regular status updates on progress to the ACRS, TC-Industry Steering Committee and the Minister.
Membership
The Working Group is comprised of the following members:
Chair: Luc Bourdon, Director General, Rail Safety.
Members
Don Watts - CN
Robert Smith - CP
Marc Beaulieu - VIA
Suzanne Manaigre- GO Transit
Kevin MacKinnon - RAC
Rob Smith – Teamsters
Brian Stevens - CAW
Bill Brehl - TCRC
Mike Piche - USW
TC
Walter Carlson (Operations Management)
Susan Archer (Regulatory Affairs)
Paul Lepage (Equipment)
Ken Dejean (Equipment)
Secretariat
Carla White-Taylor
Krystal McColgan
Budget and Administrative Needs
The Secretariat will look after administrative needs (e.g. meeting arrangements, document preparation and distribution, records of decision etc