SOCAN Tariff for Trains and Buses (2026–2028)

Summary#

This notice publishes SOCAN Tariff 13.C (2026–2028), which sets the fees for playing recorded music in railroad trains, buses and other public conveyances (it excludes aircraft and passenger ships). It sets a charge of $1.46 per person per year (based on authorized passenger capacity) with a minimum annual fee of $87.37, and requires annual reporting and payment by January 31.

What it does#

• Applies to the performance or communication to the public by telecommunication of recorded music in passenger vehicles for the years 2026 to 2028.
• Charges a royalty of $1.46 per person per year, calculated using the vehicle’s authorized passenger capacity.
• Requires a minimum annual royalty of $87.37 per vehicle.
• Requires operators to report authorized passenger capacity and pay the fee on or before January 31 each year.
• Gives SOCAN the right to audit a user’s books and records (with reasonable notice and during business hours) to check the reports and payments.
• Says late payments earn interest calculated daily at a rate equal to 1% above the Bank Rate (interest does not compound).
• States that the amounts are exclusive of any federal, provincial, or other taxes or levies.

Who's affected#

• Owners and operators of passenger-carrying road and rail vehicles such as commuter trains, buses, tour and charter buses, and similar public conveyances (but not aircraft or passenger ships).
• Transit agencies, private bus companies, rail operators and any organization that plays recorded music for passengers on those vehicles.
• SOCAN, as the collecting society administering the tariff.
• It is unclear from the notice whether small operators or very short-term rentals have special exemptions; the tariff itself only sets the per-passenger and minimum amounts.

Why it matters#

• Operators who play recorded music on board will need to add this annual cost to their budgets and file a yearly report by January 31.
• For large fleets, the per-passenger fee can add up across many vehicles and may affect operating costs or fares.
• The audit and interest rules mean unpaid or late amounts can grow, so timely reporting and payment matter in practice.
• This is a published tariff under the Copyright Act, so it standardizes how music licensing is charged for these types of passenger services for 2026 to 2028.