Rail transportation guides

Apportionment of Costs of Grade Separations: A Resource Tool

This is a guide for those involved in railway crossing projects, where the crossing is a grade separation (an overhead bridge or a subway). The guide explains:

  • the costs included in a basic grade separation and how these are usually distributed (apportioned) among those involved;
  • how the CTA distributes the costs when those involved cannot agree; and
  • issues the CTA considers before deciding how to distribute the costs.

See also Railway Crossings: A Guide and Guide to Railway Charges for Crossing Maintenance and Construction 2019.

Relocation of Railway Lines in Urban Areas: A Resource Tool

This is a guide for towns and provinces that want to move rail lines or traffic in urban areas, but cannot get the railway to agree. It explains:

  • how to apply to the CTA to order the railway to relocate; and
  • the plans you must provide, including a financial plan showing the money you and others are committing to the proposed relocation.

Note: This guide also discusses certain federal government relocation grants. There is currently no money set aside for those grants. This may limit the CTA's ability to accept applications.

Transfer and Discontinuance of Railway Line Operations and Railway Track Determinations: A Resource Tool

This is a guide for railways that want to transfer or discontinue lines. It is also for governments in Canada (including urban transit authorities) and others who may want to acquire those lines. The guide sets out the steps a railway must follow before a transfer or discontinuance and how the CTA can help with related disputes. It covers:

  • how the railway must advertise the line for sale;
  • the process for offering a line that does not sell to different levels of government (for any purpose they want);
  • how to ask the CTA to determine the line's net salvage value or order the discontinuance, if those involved cannot agree; and
  • how to ask the CTA for help with other disputes. These include whether the track is eligible for discontinuance and whether the railway is negotiating in good faith and following the steps.

See also: Guidelines Respecting Net Salvage Value Determination Applications.

Railway Operation Compensation: A Resource Tool

This is a guide for people who have land, buildings, and other structures and works right beside a railway line. There are railway safety laws that may affect people in this situation. The guide explains that:

  • people located right beside a railway line may have to let the railway onto their property for safety activities (for example, to clear brush that is blocking railway sight lines or in an emergency);
  • the law may limit what these people can and can't do on their property, if the activity (for example, a construction project) would affect railway safety; and
  • people who suffer losses because of these safety requirements may be owed compensation.

Guidelines for the Resolution of Complaints Over Railway Noise and Vibration

This is a guide for people who live or work near railways, and also for local governments and railway companies. It explains how to deal with rail noise and vibration concerns, including:

  • the steps (collaborative measures) to take to find a solution;
  • how to ask the CTA for help if you take these steps but still can't find a solution; and
  • how the CTA resolves the complaint, including the issues it looks at to decide whether the noise or vibration is reasonable.

This guide also comes with two added documents: Noise and Vibration from Idling Locomotives and Railway Noise Measurement and Reporting Methodology. Experts from outside the CTA helped write these information items.

Guide to Certificates of Fitness

This is a guide for anyone intending to build or operate a federal railway company (passenger or freight). It is also for existing companies that want to add routes, change routes or their end points (termini), or make changes to construction projects or operations. The guide explains:

  • how to apply for the licence you need to build or operate a railway (called a Certificate of Fitness);
  • how to vary an existing Certificate to cover new routes and other operational changes;
  • the railway insurance you must have; and
  • the information you must give us when your insurance changes or your construction project or operations change.

See also: Insurance Requirements for Federally Regulated Freight Railway Companies - Implementation guide.