Canadian agency proposes rail regulation updates

The Canadian Transportation Agency (CTA) has released a report summarizing input from key rail industry stakeholders about how best to update existing rail regulations, as well as agency guidelines and tools.

Titled "What We Heard," the report is based on a discussion paper and a four-month public consultation process that focused on the following key issues:
• amendments to the railway interswitching regulations;
• administrative monetary penalties;
• insurance filing for freight-rail operations;
• insurance requirements for passenger-rail operations and railway construction; and
• guidance materials on shipper remedies and recovery of costs related to a railway fire.

The consultation process included 20 formal meetings with representatives from Canadian and U.S. passenger and freight rail companies, rail tourism operators, industry associations, grain shipper associations, logistics and freight management associations and private companies that use rail.

The next step calls for the proposed changes to be published in the Canada Gazette.

"Thank you to the many rail stakeholders who participated in the CTA's consultations on rail transportation. All the information and suggestions received are being carefully considered as we update our regulations and guidance material," said Scott Streiner, the CTA's chair and chief executive officer, in a press release.