SOCAN Onboard Music Tariff 2023–2025

Summary#

This notice publishes SOCAN Tariff 13.C from the Copyright Board. It sets the fee for recorded music played for passengers on trains, buses and similar public conveyances for 2023 to 2025: $1.32 per person per year, with a minimum charge of $78.75.

What it does#

• Covers playing recorded music to the public by telecommunication on railroad trains, buses and other public conveyances (does not cover aircraft or passenger ships).
• Charges a royalty of $1.32 per person per year, calculated from the vehicle’s authorized passenger capacity, with a minimum annual royalty of $78.75.
• Requires the operator to report authorized passenger capacity and pay the fee on or before January 31 of each year covered by the tariff.
• Gives SOCAN the right to audit a user’s books and records on reasonable notice during normal business hours to check payments.
• Imposes interest on late payments at a daily rate equal to 1% above the Bank of Canada’s Bank Rate (as published for the last day of the previous month); interest does not compound.
• States that amounts are exclusive of any federal, provincial or other taxes or levies.

Who's affected#

• Transit and transport operators who play recorded music on vehicles: commuter rail companies, intercity and charter bus companies, tourist train operators and similar services.
• Smaller operators and single-vehicle services are affected too because of the $78.75 minimum charge.
• The notice names SOCAN as the collecting organization and is issued by the Copyright Board.
• It is not clear from this notice whether very small, incidental uses or how shared/pooled services are treated; operators with unusual arrangements may need to check the full tariff text or seek advice.

Why it matters#

• Operators who provide onboard music must track vehicle passenger capacity and budget for this per-seat fee, or at least the $78.75 minimum per vehicle per year.
• Costs could affect ticket prices, onboard service choices, or decisions about whether to provide recorded music at all.
• The audit and interest rules mean operators who delay or under-report can face extra charges.