Canada unveils train-brake inspection, safety rules

Canada's Transport Minister Pablo Rodriguez last week announced changes to the federal Railway Freight and Passenger Train Brake Inspection and Safety Rules that will take effect Dec. 1, 2025.

The changes will require railroads to:
• strengthen air-brake inspections by ensuring that heavy trains operating on a steep grade in cold weather undergo more robust air-brake inspections;
• develop and submit procedures related to the inspection requirements to Transport Canada; and
• strengthen requirements for periodic maintenance of air-brake cylinders.

The changes are the second part of a 2022 ministerial order that called for strengthening brake performance during cold weather, particularly on steep descending grades.

Initial changes to strengthen regular air-brake inspection requirements and to introduce requirements for a Train Brake Winter Operating Plan were approved in January 2023, and came into force on May 31, Transport Canada officials said in a press release.