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Rail Transportation

Regional Rail Information

British Columbia's rail network plays a critical role in the freight transportation system of Western Canada. Canadian National, Canadian Pacific Railway, and Burlington Northern Santa Fe are the three main railways operating in British Columbia. Transport Canada regulates the inter-provincial or international railways, as well as passenger trains such as VIA Rail and Amtrak, and a number of passenger excursion trains. At this time, Transport Canada regulates fifteen railways within the Pacific Region.

Under the Railway Safety Act and Regulations, Transport Canada ensures compliance with federal safety standards and regulations for rail transportation within British Columbia. The safety of passengers, public, environment, and cargo (such as grain and dangerous goods) is maintained through the monitoring of railway operations, rail infrastructure, railway crossings, the inspection of equipment, and dangerous goods. There are over 4500 miles of federally-regulated track in B.C. operated by various railway companies which are federally and provincially-regulated. These railway companies transport goods from B.C.'s ports onward through the province to the rest of Canada and the United States.

Transport Canada's railway safety and transportation of dangerous goods services can be accessed through our Transport Canada Centres in Kelowna and New Westminster.

For more information about Railway Safety, please contact:

Surface Branch
Transport Canada
#225 - 625 Agnes Street
New Westminster, B.C. V3M 5Y4
Telephone Number: (604) 666-0011
Facsimile Number: (604) 666-7747

Date modified:
2011-09-24