Association of Regional Railways of Canada

CORPORATE

CORPORATE >> BACKGROUND
The Short Line Industry

The Canadian railway industry has historically consisted of two large Class I railways (Canadian National Railways and Canadian Pacific Railway), augmented by a few short lines and regional railways. The introduction of the Canada Transportation Act in 1996 led to the proliferation of short line and regional railways (SL/RRs) across the country.

"Although SL/RRs are an important part of the transportation system, their particular concerns have not been well articulated, heard or understood"

Although SL/RRs are an important part of the Canadian transportation system, their particular concerns have not been well articulated, heard or understood. For example, many short line companies operate with such small profit margins that their ability to sustain operations and maintain or improve infrastructure is at risk. The failure of a short line or a regional railway company could devastate local economies but, to date, very little information about their unique concerns and operating environment has been available to policy makers and legislators.

This industry could play a significant role in improving the ability of Canada's shippers to compete internationally. Canada relies on an effective, efficient, safe, and environmentally sustainable transportation network, which requires a healthy SL/RR industry. That is why the Association of Regional Railways believes the concerns of the SL/RR industry are of national importance.

The most pressing issues facing Canada's SL/RRs are:

viability
raising the profile of SL/RRs
public interest issues
rail infrastructure
interline service management
legislative initiatives.

Association of Regional Railways of Canda (ARRC)

The Association of Regional Railways of Canada (ARRC) was formed in September 2001 to provide a voice for the SL/RRs that focuses on the issues that are vital to the health of Canada's maturing SL/RRs, both passenger and freight.

ARRC is committed to:

raising the profile of Canada's short line and regional railways,
articulating and advocating the interests of Canada's short line and regional railways,
"...a voice for the SL/RRs that focuses on the issues that are vital to the health of Canada's maturing SL/RRs"

communicating to the public, government and other interested stakeholders, the important economic impact of a healthy, viable short line and regional railway industry at both the local and national level,
making representations to the federal, provincial and municipal governments on public policy, taxation, safety, federal/provincial jurisdictional issues, competitiveness, relations with Class I carriers, regulation and legislative initiatives, that could have an impact on the activities of Canada's short line and regional railways,
fostering improved communication and cooperation between interprovincial and federal/provincial governments to enhance harmonization of safety standards and regulatory requirements,
liaising and working with other associations and interested stakeholders, and,
providing advisory and other support services to member companies to further the viability and competitiveness of Canada's short line and regional railways.

[ ENSURE ALL INFORMATION IS PRINTED, CHOOSE LANDSCAPE ORIENTATION IN YOUR PRINT DIALOGUE BOX ]