Definitions

For the purpose of these rules and special instructions, the following definitions apply:

ADVANCE SIGNAL
A fixed signal used in connection with one or more signals to govern the approach of a movement to such signal.

ADVANCED TRAIN DISPATCHING SYSTEM
Train control technologies that provide enhancements for protecting overlapping authorities with ability to provide signal indications into protected track.

AUTOMATIC BLOCK SIGNAL SYSTEM (ABS)
A series of consecutive blocks in which ABS rules apply.

BLOCK
A length of track of defined limits, the use of which by a movement is governed by block signals.

BLOCK SIGNAL
A fixed signal at the entrance to a block to govern a movement entering or using that block.

CAUTIONARY LIMITS
That portion of the main track or main tracks within limits defined by cautionary limit sign(s).

CENTRALIZED TRAFFIC CONTROL SYSTEM (CTC)
A system in which CTC rules apply.

CONTROLLED BLOCK
A block in CTC between consecutive controlled locations or points.

CONTROLLED SIGNAL
A CTC block signal which is capable of displaying a Stop indication until requested to display a less restrictive indication by the RTC .

CONTROLLED LOCATION
A location in CTC the limits of which are defined by opposing controlled signals.

CONTROLLED POINT
A signal location in CTC consisting of controlled signal(s) in one direction only.

CROSSOVER
A track joining adjacent main tracks, or a main track and another track.

DAILY OPERATING BULLETIN (DOB)
A document containing applicable information from each GBO , instructions and other information requiring compliance within limits indicated in special instructions.

ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS METHOD (ECM)
An electronic method for transmission and cancellation of authorities, instructions or information.

ENGINE
A locomotive(s) operated from a single control or a cab control car, used in train, transfer or yard service.

ENGINE IN YARD SERVICE
An engine with or without cars utilized exclusively in switching, marshalling, humping, trimming and industrial switching.

EQUIPMENT
One or more engines and/or cars which can be handled on their own wheels in a movement.

EXCLUSIVE TOP
A TOP that provides exclusive occupancy of the track to one foreman. No more than two track units can operate within the limits of an Exclusive TOP.

EXCLUSIVE TRACK UNIT SPEED
When protected by an Exclusive TOP, it is a speed that permits a track unit to stop short of a switch not properly lined.

Track units handling equipment must not exceed the lesser of; authorized freight, passenger or temporary speed restrictions. The delivery method for temporary speed restrictions will be indicated in special instructions.

FIXED SIGNAL
A signal or sign at a fixed location indicating a condition affecting the operation of a movement.

FOLLOW-UP TOP
A TOP issued within limits of a movement(s) that has passed or will be identified by the foreman as having passed the foreman’s location.

GENERAL BULLETIN ORDER(S) (GBO)
Instructions regarding track condition restrictions and other information that affect the safety and operation of a movement.

GRAVITY DROP
Releasing stationary equipment and permitting it to roll under its own momentum.

HEAVY GRADE
A portion of a track 2 miles in length or greater, with an average grade greater than 1.0%, and less than or equal to 1.8%.

HIGH RISK LOCATION
A track, or portion of a track, other than a main track, subdivision track, or siding; identified in special instructions, on which unattended equipment requires the application of Rule 112(a).

HUMPING
Pushing equipment at a regulated speed then releasing it under its own momentum, in an engineered environment where the route and speed are controlled through automated or assisted devices.

INTERLOCKING
An arrangement of interconnected signals and signal appliances for which interlocking rules and special instructions are in effect.

INTERLOCKING LIMITS
The tracks between the extreme or outer opposing interlocking signals of an interlocking.

INTERLOCKING SIGNAL
A fixed signal at the entrance to or within interlocking limits to govern the use of the routes.

KICKING
Pushing equipment then releasing it under its own momentum. Does not include humping.

MAIN TRACK
A track of a subdivision extending through and between stations governed by one or more methods of control upon which movements, track units and track work must be authorized.

MARKER
When used, will indicate the last piece of equipment in a movement. It will be one of the following:

• a red light, a red reflectorized plaque, a sense and braking unit (SBU), or
• an occupied caboose, distributed power remote locomotive consist or distributed braking car, when the last piece of equipment in the direction of travel.

METHOD OF CONTROL
Rules and/or special instructions governing the use of a track(s).

MOUNTAIN GRADE
A portion of a track 2 miles in length or greater, with an average grade greater than 1.8%.

MOVEMENT(S)
The term used in these rules to indicate that the rule is applicable to trains, transfers or engines in yard service.

MULTI-TRACK
Two or more main tracks of a subdivision at the same location.

NON-MAIN TRACK (NMT)
Any track(s) other than those listed in time table columns as having CTC , OCS , ABS or Cautionary Limits applicable and unless otherwise provided include a requirement to operate at REDUCED speed.

NON-SIGNALLED SIDING
A siding where non-main track rules apply, the use of which may be governed by special instructions.

OCCUPANCY CONTROL SYSTEM (OCS)
A system in which OCS rules apply.

Occupational Terms:

Assistant Conductor
An employee working under the supervision of a conductor. May also be referred to as trainman or yardman.

Conductor
An employee in charge of the operation of a movement.

Employee
A person qualified to regulatory and company standards employed by the company. Applies to contract employees and employees of other companies and railways operating and/or performing other rules related duties on the host railway trackage.

Foreman
An employee in charge of the protection of track work and track units.

Locomotive Engineer
An employee in control of the engine.

Pilot
An employee assigned to a movement when the locomotive engineer or conductor, or both, are not fully acquainted with the physical characteristics or rules of the railway over which the movement is to be operated.

Proper Authority
The rail traffic controller or the appropriate railway supervisor.

Rail Traffic Controller (RTC)
An employee in charge of the supervision and direction of movements and for the provision of protection for track work and track units on a specified territory.

Signalman
An employee in charge of an interlocking.

Sub-foreman
A rules qualified employee that works under the protection held by a foreman.

Switchtender
An employee that handles switches for other employees.

Utility Employee
An employee who can be used as a temporary crew member or perform other assigned duties.

RUNNING SWITCH
Pulling equipment then releasing it under its own momentum.

SCHEDULE
Information pertaining to the operating times of a passenger train.

SIDING
A track adjacent and connected to the main track which is so designated in the time table, GBO or operating bulletin.

SIDING CONTROL TERRITORY (SCT)
Non-signalled sidings indicated in special instructions where SCT rules are applicable.

SIGNALLED SIDING
A siding where CTC rules apply.

SIGNAL INDICATION
The information conveyed by a fixed signal.

SINGLE TRACK
One main track on a subdivision at a location.

Switches

Auto-Normal Switch
A locally-controlled switch, which will automatically restore to normal position after a movement has cleared the switch track circuit.

Dual Control Switch
A switch equipped for powered and hand operation.

Electric Switch Lock
An electric lock connected with a hand operated switch to prevent its operation until the lock is released.

Main Track Hand Operated Switch
A switch connected to the main track used to route equipment or a track unit to or from the main track.

 

Normal Position      Reverse Position

Main Track Hand Operated Switch

Green targets are displayed when the main track switch is in normal position. Red coloured switch targets are displayed when a main track switch is in the reversed position.

Note: Switch targets may be different shapes than illustrated but must not be diamond shape.

Non-Main Track Hand Operated Switch
A switch used to route equipment or a track unit within non-main track territory.

 

 Normal Position     Reverse Position

 

Non-Main Track Hand Operated Switch

Green switch targets are displayed when the non-main track switch is in normal position. Yellow coloured switch targets are displayed when the non-main track is in the reversed position. Switch targets may be any shape, but must not be diamond shape.

Note: Switch targets may be different shapes than illustrated but must not be diamond shape..

Power-Operated Switch
A switch equipped for powered operation, but not equipped for hand operation.

Semi-Automatic Switch
A non-main track switch equipped with an internal securing mechanism that permits equipment to trail through the switch points thus setting the switch for the route being used.

 

 

Semi-Automatic Switch

Green, diamond shaped switch targets are displayed when the semi-automatic switch is lined for the normal position. Yellow, diamond shaped targets are displayed when the semi-automatic switch is lined for the reversed position.

Note: Switch targets must be diamond shaped.

Spring Switch
A switch equipped with a spring mechanism arranged to restore the switch points to normal position after having been trailed through.

Switch
A device used to route equipment or a track unit from one track to another.

Speeds

DIVERGING Speed
A speed not exceeding 25 miles per hour.

LIMITED Speed
A speed not exceeding 45 miles per hour.

MEDIUM Speed
A speed not exceeding 30 miles per hour.

REDUCED Speed
A speed that will permit stopping within one-half the range of vision of equipment.

RESTRICTED Speed
A speed that will permit stopping within one-half the range of vision of equipment, also prepared to stop short of a switch not properly lined and in no case exceeding SLOW speed.

When moving at RESTRICTED speed, be on the lookout for broken rails.

When a broken rail is detected, the movement must be stopped immediately and must not resume until permission is received from the RTC or signalman.

SLOW Speed
A speed not exceeding 15 miles per hour.

TURNOUT Speed
Unless otherwise provided by signal indication or special instructions, a speed not exceeding 15 MPH .

STATION
A location identified by a station name sign and designated by that name in the time table.

SUBDIVISION
Railway trackage designated by time table.

SUBDIVISION TRACK
A Non-Main Track so indicated in the time table method of control column that is an extension of the main track, and the through track at that location, defined with subdivision mile posts.

REDUCED speed is applicable to a maximum speed as indicated in the time table. Transfers must not exceed 15 MPH .

TABULAR GENERAL BULLETIN ORDER (TGBO)
A document specific to a movement, containing applicable information from each GBO , instructions and other information requiring compliance within limits indicated in the TGBO .

TIME TABLE
The special instruction that contains subdivision description information and footnotes relating to the operation of movements and track units. Time table may contain information applicable on other tracks.

TRACK OCCUPANCY PERMIT (TOP)
Authority issued for the protection of track units and track work.

TRACK UNIT (TU)
A vehicle or machine capable of on-track operation utilized for track inspection, track work and other railway activities when on a track.

TRACK UNIT SPEED
A speed that;

• (a) permits a track unit to stop within one-half the range of vision of equipment or a track unit;
• (b) permits a track unit to stop short of a switch not properly lined or any obstruction or track defect that may prevent safe passage; and
• (c) does not exceed maximum authorized speed for that track unit.

Track units handling equipment must not exceed the lesser of; authorized freight, passenger or temporary speed restrictions. The delivery method for temporary speed restrictions will be indicated in special instructions.

TRACK WORK
Any work on or near the track that may render the track unsafe for movements at normal speed or where protection against movements may be required for employees and machines involved in track construction and repairs.

TRAILING END
The tail end of the last piece of equipment in a movement in the direction of travel.

TRAIN
An engine with or without cars intended to operate on the main track at speeds in excess of 15 MPH or a track unit when so designated.

TRAIN INFORMATION BRAKING SYSTEM (TIBS)
A system with rear and front communication components capable of:

• (i) monitoring and displaying brake pipe pressure on the rear car;
• (ii) calculating and displaying distance measurement;
• (iii) initiating an emergency brake application at the rear of the train from the controlling locomotive.

TRANSFER
An engine with or without cars operating on main track at speeds not exceeding 15 MPH .

UNATTENDED
When an employee is not in close enough proximity to take effective action.

YARD
A system of non-main tracks, utilized to switch equipment and for other purposes over which movements may operate subject to prescribed signals, rules and special instructions.