List of Major Canadian Railways

Major Canadian Railways: Canada’s wide-ranging railway network is an essential part of the country’s transportation system. It connects communities across vast distances and contributes to the economic growth and development of Canada. From the iconic Canadian Pacific Railway to the essential services provided by VIA Rail Canada every rail agency provides economic growth to the country’s development.

In this article, we will see the major Canadian railways that connect cities, towns, and industries all across Canada, from one side to the other.

List of Major Canadian Railways

Railway Name	Type
Canadian National Railway (CN)	Class I
Canadian Pacific Railway (CP)	Class I
Via Rail Canada	Passenger
Metrolinx	Regional Passenger
Ontario Northland	Passenger & Freight
Exo (formerly AMT)	Commuter Rail
West Coast Express (WCE)	Commuter Rail
Edmonton Transit Service Edmonton	Light Rail Services
Ottawa Transit Commission (OC Transpo) Ottawa	Light Rail Services
Winnipeg Transit Winnipeg	Light Rail Services

Canadian National Railway (CN)

• Canadian National railway is one of the largest railway companies in Canada.
• CN operates an extensive network of tracks across Canada and into the United States.
• CN transports various goods, including commodities like grain, minerals, and forest products.
• CN provides shipment services for industries such as agriculture, mining, and manufacturing.
• CN offers interconnected transportation systems that combined the rail and truck services for efficient cargo movement.
• CN plays a vital role in international trade and it connects the canadian markets with global markets.
• CN focuses on making sure things are safe, sustainable, and innovative in how they run their trains and build their railways.

Canadian Pacific Railway (CP)

• Canadian Pacific Railway is a prominent railway company in Canada started back in the late 19th century.
• CP operates a across-continent railway network connecting eastern and western Canada.
• CP transports a wide range of goods, including grain, coal, chemicals, and consumer products.
• CP provides interconnected transportation services such as enabling the transportation of containers and trailers.
• CP runs trains that take people on scenic journeys and also runs trains for commuters in certain areas.
• CP focuses on efficiency and reliability, leveraging technology and infrastructure investments.
• CP contributes to community development and environmental protection through various initiatives.

Via Rail Canada

• VIA Rail Canada is the national passenger railway service provider in Canada.
• VIA Rail operates on long-distance and it connects major cities and towns.
• VIA Rail’s main service is called the Canadian. It is a long train ride that goes from Toronto to Vancouver.
• VIA Rail also operates regional services in densely populated corridors, such as the Quebec City–Windsor Corridor.
• VIA Rail focuses on comfort, convenience, and sustainability in its passenger services.
• VIA Rail offers various fare options that includes economy, business, and sleeper accommodations.
• VIA Rail contributes to tourism and mobility by providing safe and accessible travel options for Canadians.

Metrolinx

• Metrolinx is a regional transportation authority responsible for public transit planning and operations in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA).
• Metrolinx operates GO Transit, a regional commuter rail and bus service connecting urban centers and residential areas.
• Metrolinx is responsible for expanding and improving public transit infrastructure in the GTHA.
• Metrolinx major projects is GO Expansion program which aims to increase transit capacity and frequency.
• Metrolinx prioritizes customer experience, safety, and accessibility in its transit services.
• Metrolinx collaborates with municipal governments and stakeholders to integrate transit networks and improve connectivity.
• Metrolinx is committed to sustainable transportation and reducing greenhouse gas emissions through transit investments and initiatives.

Ontario Northland

• Ontario Northland is a government agency that handles transportation and communication services in Northern Ontario.
• Ontario Northland operates passenger and goods rail services that connects communities and industries in the region.
• Ontario Northland provides essential transportation links for remote and rural areas and support their economic development and mobility.
• Ontario Northland provides passenger services such as the Polar Bear Express, serving destinations like Moosonee and Cochrane.
• Ontario Northland transports various goods like forestry products, minerals, and consumer goods.
• Ontario Northland supports industries such as mining, forestry, and tourism in Northern Ontario.
• Ontario Northland is committed to safety, reliability, and sustainability in its operations and services.

Exo (formerly AMT)

• Exo is the regional transportation authority responsible for public transit services in the Greater Montreal area.
• Exo operates commuter trains, buses, and flexible transport services in the urban and suburban communities.
• Exo’s commuter rail network connects Montreal with surrounding municipalities and provides a convenient alternative to driving.
• Exo focuses on improving transit accessibility, reliability, and customer experience for passengers.
• Exo collaborates with municipal governments and stakeholders to enhance transit integration and connectivity.
• Exo prioritizes sustainability initiatives like switching to electric trains and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
• Exo plays a crucial role in reducing traffic congestion and promoting sustainable mobility in the Greater Montreal area.

West Coast Express (WCE)

• West Coast Express is a commuter rail service operating in the Metro Vancouver region of British Columbia.
• WCE provides weekday commuter trains between downtown Vancouver and suburbs like Mission and Maple Ridge.
• West Coast Express offers a convenient and efficient transit option for commuters traveling to and from Vancouver.
• WCE provides services like onboard Wi-Fi, bike racks, and designated quiet cars.
• WCE integrates with other transit services in the region, including TransLink’s bus and SkyTrain networks.
• WCE focuses on safety, reliability, and customer satisfaction in its operations and services.
• WCE contributes to reducing road congestion and promoting sustainable transportation in Metro Vancouver.

Edmonton Transit Service Edmonton, Alberta

• The Edmonton Transit Service (ETS) is the public transit system owned and operated by the City of Edmonton in Alberta, Canada.
• It operates Edmonton’s bus and light rail systems. The ETS is the main transit authority of Edmonton.
• The ETS operates 166 routes with an active fleet of ~1000 buses and 120 light rail vehicles.
• The ETS serves the Edmonton’s metro area. In 2022, the system had a ridership of 68,829,300, or about 264,700 per weekday as of the third quarter of 2023.
• The ETS is considered to be fairly reliable, with buses and trains generally operating on schedule. The LRT is one of the fastest ways to get around Edmonton. It has 18 stations spread out over two train lines.

Ottawa Transit Commission (OC Transpo) Ottawa, Ontario

• The Ottawa Transit Commission (OC Transpo) is a public transit commission that operates bus and rail services in the city of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
• It is the second-largest transit system in the province of Ontario, after the Toronto Transit Commission. OC Transpo serves nearly 340,000 riders per day, with a fleet of over 700 vehicles.
• The OC Transpo network consists of 170 bus routes, two light rail lines, and a paratransit system.
• The bus routes cover the entire city of Ottawa, as well as the neighboring city of Gatineau, Quebec. The two light rail lines, the O-Train Confederation Line and the O-Train Trillium Line, run through the downtown core of Ottawa.
• The paratransit system provides door-to-door service for people with disabilities who are unable to use the regular bus or train service.

Winnipeg Transit Winnipeg, Manitoba

• Winnipeg Transit is the public transit agency of the City of Winnipeg, Manitoba.
• It is owned by the city government and employs nearly 1,600 people, including about 1,100 bus and train drivers.
• Winnipeg Transit operates 640 low-floor, easy-access buses and trains to more than 5,000 stops within the city limits. It carries almost 170,000 passengers on an average weekday.
• Winnipeg Transit was established 141 years ago. It is one of the oldest public transit agencies in North America.
• In 1922, Winnipeg Transit had a peak of 65.2 million passengers riding the streetcar lines. However, ridership declined in the following decades, and by 1970, it had fallen to just 10.7 million passengers.

Conclusion

Canadian railways plays a crucial role in connecting communities, transporting goods, and facilitating economic growth and development across the country. From the vast network of tracks operated by Canadian National Railway and Canadian Pacific Railway to the essential passenger services provided by VIA Rail Canada and regional transit authorities like Metrolinx and Exo, these railways contribute to the mobility and prosperity of Canadians. With their focus on safety, being eco-friendly, and innovation, these railways are super important for urban and rural areas and make sure that everyone gets around easily and safely.

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FAQs on List of Major Canadian Railways

How many major railways are there in Canada?

There are several major railways in Canada, including Canadian National Railway (CN), Canadian Pacific Railway (CP), and VIA Rail Canada.

What is the role of Canadian railways in the economy?

Canadian railways plays a essential role in the economy by facilitating trade, connecting industries, and supporting economic development.

How do Canadian railways contribute to sustainability?

Canadian railways contribute to sustainability by reducing road congestion, promoting public transit, and investing in eco-friendly technologies.

What is the GO Expansion program?

The GO Expansion program is a major project undertaken by Metrolinx to increase transit capacity and frequency in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA).

What types of goods does Canadian National Railway transport?

Canadian National Railway transports various goods, including commodities like grain, minerals, and forest products.