2012 Rail Trends - Railway Association of Canada

Introduction
This is the Railway Association of Canada’s
(RAC) 20th edition of Rail Trends, an
annual report on the performance of
Canada’s freight and passenger railway sector.
The publication contains a rolling 10-year
review of financial and statistical results,
reflecting multiple aspects of rail performance.
This year’s edition provides an overview
of 2011 performance and highlights some
clear trends taking place in the Canadian rail
business. The most obvious indication is that
there is a rail renaissance underway. Canada’s
integrated global supply chain is relying on rail
more than ever, and this year’s data shows
freight and passenger rail activity is increasing
across the country.
Despite a swell in rail traffic, this year’s data indicates the industry
is improving its environmental and safety records. In fact, Canadian
railways shipped more than 337 millions tons in 2011, a 0.8 per cent
increase from the previous year, while reducing emissions, spills and
accidents. This record of improvement is a testament to the sector’s
commitment to sustainability and safety and is one of the reasons why
the Canadian public has expressed clear support for rail.
As Canada’s vast rail network moves increasingly more goods and
people while getting greener and safer, it is clear the sector is going in a
positive direction and that the resurgence of rail is in full force.
This year’s data is categorized into five sections:
••
Economy;
••
Infrastructure Investment and Productivity;
••
Safety;
••
Environment; and
••
Public Perception.
In addition to these sections, Appendix A and B provide details on rail
operations and financial highlights from 2002 to 2011.
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