Canadian Rail Operating Rules

Time and Time Tables

1. Time

The 24 hour system will be used and will be expressed in four digits. The digits 2359 or 0001 will be used to express the time at midnight.

2. Watches

Every conductor, assistant conductor, locomotive engineer, pilot, foreman, snow plow foreman and such other employees as the company may direct, shall, when on duty, use a reliable watch that indicates hours, minutes and seconds and shall;

  • (i) be responsible to ensure that it is kept in proper working condition so that it does not reflect a variation of more than 30 seconds in a 24 hour period;
  • (ii) set it to reflect the correct time if it reflects a variation of more than 30 seconds;
  • (iii) before commencing work, compare the time on their watch with a railway approved time source. Where a railway approved time source is not accessible, obtain the correct time from the RTC or by comparing with another employee who has obtained the correct time. Every crew member assigned to train, transfer or yard service shall compare the time with one another as soon as possible after commencing work.

3. Time in Effect

Special instructions will indicate whether Standard Time, Daylight Saving Time or other designated time is in effect.

4. Notice of Time Change

Notice of time change will be given by operating bulletin and posted at least 72 hours prior to the time change taking effect. Notice will also be given by GBO at least 24 hours prior to the change and for not less than 6 days after it takes effect.

5. Employees on Duty When Time Changes

Each employee on duty when time changes, who is required to use a watch, must change time as follows:

  • (i) From Standard Time to Daylight Saving Time: At 0200 Standard Time, set the time ahead one hour to indicate 0300 Daylight Saving Time;
  • (ii) From Daylight Saving Time to Standard Time: At 0200 Daylight Saving Time, set the time back one hour to indicate 0100 Standard Time; and
  • (iii) Immediately verify correct time according to Rule 2 clause.

6. Time Tables

Each time table, from the moment it takes effect, supersedes the preceding time table.

7. Notice of New Time Table or Supplement

Notice will be given by operating bulletin and posted at least 72 hours prior to a new time table or supplement taking effect. Notice will also be given by GBO at least 24 hours prior to the new time table or supplement taking effect and for not less than 6 days after it takes effect.

Notice must also be communicated to all other affected employees.

8. Symbols and Diagrams

  • (a) The following symbols when used in the time table indicate:

    B   Operating bulletins
    C   Cautionary limits
    D   Trains or Transfers report departure to RTC
    S   Special Derail
    X   Crossover between main tracks
    Y   Wye
    *   See footnote
    +   Interlocking - see footnotes.

  • (b) Method of control and the limits of single track or multi-track will be indicated in the time table.
  • (c) The location of each interlocking, non-interlocked drawbridge and non-interlocked railway crossing at grade will be indicated in subdivision footnotes or special instructions.
  • (d) Siding capacity and the extent of Cautionary Limits, TGBO and DOB limits will be indicated in time table columns, to the side of the station column or in subdivision footnotes.