Canadian agency seeks opinions on new rail regs

The Canadian Transportation Agency (CTA) is soliciting stakeholders' opinions on rail regulations and guidance materials related to implementation of the new Transportation Modernization Act.

The legislation, which amends the Canada Transportation Act, introduces new measures related to freight rail. The agency issued a discussion paper that explains the regulations and guidance under review.

The agency will accept opinions on the new legislation until Sept. 30.

The regulatory updates and guidance material to be addressed include:
• amending railway interswitching regulations, including a new long-haul interswitching remedy;
• designating rail-related provisions and CTA orders that are subject to administrative monetary penalties;
• clarifying insurance filing requirements for freight-rail operations; and
• updating insurance coverage requirements for passenger-rail operations.

Additionally, the CTA has identified the following for potential updates:
• shipper remedies, including level of service complaints, final offer arbitration and arbitration on level of services; and
• recovery of costs related to a railway fire.

The agency has launched a new confidential toll-free help line to provide information, guidance and dispute resolution services on the rail-related provisions of the legislation: 1-877-850-7148.

Shippers, communities, members of the public and railway companies will have access to a rail analyst if they have questions on railway operations, railway infrastructure, shipper and community rights, or dispute resolution, CTA officials said in a press release.