New federal rules set training, certification and record-keeping standards for six safety-critical railway roles

Plain-language summary · AI-assisted · not legal advice

A brand-new federal regulation creates a comprehensive certification framework for six positions deemed critical to safe railway operations: locomotive engineers, conductors, transfer hostlers, yard persons, remote control locomotive operators, and rail traffic controllers. Railway companies must ensure workers in these roles complete structured knowledge-based and on-the-job training, pass examinations and evaluations with at least 80% marks, and hold valid certificates—which expire after three years and must be physically or electronically carried on the job. Certificates can be transferred between companies if the receiving company confirms the holder can perform the new duties safely, and workers who have been away from a role for 12 months or more must renew before returning. Companies must maintain training records for at least six years, consult bargaining agents before establishing or changing training programs, and ensure instructors and examiners meet specific qualification thresholds. A limited exemption applies to US-based cross-border crews operating within 24 km of the border who already hold a US certificate.

Who this affects: railway companies operating in Canada · locomotive engineers and conductors · transfer hostlers, yard persons and remote control locomotive operators · rail traffic controllers · railway training instructors and examiners · bargaining agents representing railway workers