CSA Group Announces Development of Canada’s First National Transit and Passenger Rail Code
December 1, 2025
Code will target delays and cost overruns in passenger rail projects amid Canada’s historic transit expansion
CSA Group has announced that it will develop a new National Code for Transit and Passenger Railway Systems. As Canada advances high-speed rail and the most significant expansion of its urban transit systems in generations, the new Code will be designed to help safeguard billions in infrastructure investment, strengthen public confidence, and support projects being delivered on time and on budget.
Canada is currently expanding its urban rail systems by 40 per cent, with more than 250 kilometers of new track and 206 stations under construction across the country. Major projects — including the landmark High-Speed Rail initiative and new commuter rail proposals in several growing cities — reflect a generational shift in how Canadians move, connect, and access opportunity.
Despite this historic investment, Canada’s passenger rail sector faces persistent challenges with delays, safety and quality issues, cost overruns, and public skepticism. This is driven in part by fragmented project management, inconsistent use of international standards, and reliance on costly custom technical solutions. The new Rail Code will address these issues by providing a cohesive framework for the design, construction, and commissioning of projects nationwide. By adopting a systems engineering approach and leveraging appropriate international standards while reflecting Canada’s unique context, the Code aims to streamline delivery, reduce risk, improve safety and accessibility, and restore public confidence in how infrastructure dollars are spent.
“Large-scale rail projects are complex undertakings that require coordination across disciplines, standards, and jurisdictions,” said Ana-Maria Tomilson, Director of Strategic and Cross-Sector Initiatives, CSA Group. “The new Rail Code will provide a cohesive framework for procurement, design, safety, and operations, helping governments and project owners efficiently manage complexity while reducing risks and delays.”
The Code is expected to be structured into four parts covering light and urban rail, heavy and commuter rail, high-speed rail, and common elements shared by all rail typologies. It will address topics including infrastructure, rolling stock, energy, noise and vibrations, safety and security, signaling and communications, accessibility, and operations.
Development of the Code is expected to begin in April 2026, guided by a Strategic Working Group of Canadian transit and rail experts assembled by CSA Group. The organization is also publishing reports in the coming months exploring policy levers to better support building rail infrastructure, international best practices, and identifying standards gaps that the Code can address.
About CSA Group
CSA Group is a global organization dedicated to safety, social good and sustainability. They are a leader in North American standards development and in product testing, inspection and certification around the world. Their mandate is to hold the future to a higher standard.
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