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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 fourteen 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 about 6,800 kilometres of 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 Centre in New
Westminster.
For more information about Railway Safety, please contact:
Surface
Transport Canada
#225 - 625 Agnes Street
New Westminster, B.C. V3M 5Y4
Telephone Number: (604) 666-0011
Facsimile Number: (604) 666-7747
Electronic Mail: railsafety-bc@tc.gc.ca
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