Canadian Rail Operating Rules

General Bulletin Order (GBO)

151. Identical Meaning to All

The body of each GBO must be given in the same words and figures to each employee and movement addressed.

152. Delivery of GBO

The RTC must ensure that movements affected by a GBO are issued a copy of the GBO , or are otherwise secured.

153. Confirmation to a Foreman

Confirmation of protection must not be given to a foreman until all movements affected have received a copy of the GBO or are otherwise secured.

154. Remain in Effect

GBO remain in effect for the entire tour of duty unless cancelled. GBO must be retained at away from home locations to be available, if required, for the return trip.

155. Cancelling GBO

  • (a) To cancel an item of a GBO , the RTC will use the following:

    Item _______ of GBO __________ is cancelled _________ ( RTC ).

  • (b) To cancel a GBO , the RTC will use the following:

    GBO _________ is cancelled ________________________ ( RTC ).

  • (c) The cancellation must be repeated to, and acknowledged by, the RTC .

156. Daily Operating Bulletin (DOB)

  • (a) Except as provided for in paragraph (b), a movement must not move on any track where DOB is applicable unless it is in possession of:

    • (i) the current DOB ; or

    • (ii) a TGBO which is applicable within the portion of the limits of the DOB over which the movement will operate.

  • (b) The DOB will take effect at the time specified and will remain in effect until the same time the following day. A crew of a movement within DOB limits unable to clear the limits before the DOB expires, or unable to obtain a copy of the next current DOB , must contact the RTC . In such circumstances, the DOB may be extended by the RTC with any necessary changes. If unable to communicate with the RTC , the movement must be stopped.

  • (c) All crew members must verify that the DOB is properly dated, and it contains the correct number of pages.

  • (d) The RTC will ensure that the information or instructions contained in each GBO , pertaining to track or other conditions within such limits, is correct and placed in the appropriate DOB .

157. Tabular General Bulletin Order (TGBO)

  • (a) A movement must not move on any track where TGBO is applicable, unless it is in possession of a TGBO addressed to them.

    OPTIONAL: Overlapping TGBO and DOB Limits. Movements required to operate outside of DOB limits must operate their entire trip with a TGBO addressed to them unless authorized by the RTC or by special instructions.

  • (b) All crew members must ensure that their movement is properly designated on their TGBO , it contains the correct number of pages and that the limits cover the specific routing. If an incorrectly designated TGBO is received or there is no TGBO for that movement the RTC must be contacted immediately.

  • (c) When designated using the movement identification number, the train journal, list or other acceptable document may be used for verification. If the designation on the TGBO is incorrect, a change of designation must be issued by the RTC . If the designation of the train journal, list or other acceptable document is incorrect while the TGBO designation is correct, the designation on the train journal, list or other acceptable document may be changed when authorized by the RTC , a company officer or other employee who has access to the correct information. When a train journal, list or other acceptable document is not available, a member of the crew may obtain the correct designation of the movement for comparison to the TGBO from the RTC , Company Supervisor or other employee who has access to this information.

  • (d) A crew of a movement within TGBO limits with a TGBO that includes an item that cancels the TGBO at a specific time, must communicate with and be governed by instructions of the RTC before the expiry time. If unable to communicate with the RTC and unable to clear TGBO limits, the movement must be stopped.