Introduction

Since 1917, the Railway Association of Canada (RAC) has represented railway interests in Canada . It is proud to have among its membership Class One, short line, regional, passenger, commuter and tourist railways.

In 2007, the RAC opened up its membership to railway suppliers and industrial railway operators. By becoming Associate Members, such organizations benefit from common services already available to core members. The RAC also plans to offer services and products where Associate Members have the greatest need.

The RAC has in the past and will continue in the future to work with the Canadian Association of Railway Suppliers, but by joining the RAC, suppliers not only have the opportunity to meet with senior railway representatives, they will have the chance to input on technical regulation that could impact their products or services.

Industrial railway operators will benefit mostly from technical support service such as damage prevention and car loading.

Railway Suppliers

A large variety of Railway Suppliers offer products or services to Canadian railway companies. They are large, medium or small businesses that have at least one thing in common: ensuring the rail sector remains healthy and vibrant.

The railway manufacturing and supply industries serve railway customers all across North America, and often around the world. They are diversified. Some design and manufacture rolling stock, others the maintenance of way equipment, and still others, signals and communications equipment. Some offer technical expert services in engineering, construction or database management. Others have expertise in the safety and security areas, and some may be small consultants.

The railways and their suppliers have a symbiotic relationship; they depend on each other. Canada is currently experiencing an increased demand for rail services. To provide the quality service to which their customers are entitled, the railways have high standards. They expect their suppliers to also adopt this high quality approach to business.

Industrial Railway Operators

Railways used exclusively to serve a particular industrial site, either entirely within that site (as an exclusive in house” operation) or also connecting to a common carrier network, are known as Industrial Railway Operators. Industrial operators serve many different industries, from companies in the mining sector to beer producers. They may not be highly visible, but they exist and play a vital role. They are the first conduit in the long road a product has to travel from the origin, where it is created, to the final market, where it will be consumed. Size does not matter when safety and security are concerned. Although most industrial operators don't operate main track lines, they too have to comply with basic rail safety - which is Job no. 1.

RAC is pleased to welcome Railway Suppliers and Industrial Railway Operators as Associate Members.