2/1/23, 10:46 PM Definitions

Definitions
From: Transport Canada

For the purpose of these rules and special instructions, the following definitions apply:
ADVANCE SIGNAL
A fixed signal used in connection with one or more signals to govern the approach of a
movement to such signal.

ADVANCED TRAIN DISPATCHING SYSTEM

Train control technologies that provide enhancements for protecting overlapping
authorities with ability to provide signal indications into protected track.
AUTOMATIC BLOCK SIGNAL SYSTEM (ABS)
A series of consecutive blocks in which ABS (Automatic Block Signal System) rules
apply.

BLOCK
A length of track of defined limits, the use of which by a movement is governed by
block signals.

BLOCK SIGNAL
A fixed signal at the entrance to a block to govern a movement entering or using that
block.

CAUTIONARY LIMITS
That portion of the main track or main tracks within limits defined by cautionary limit
sign(s).
CENTRALIZED TRAFFIC CONTROL SYSTEM (CTC)
A system in which CTC (Centralized Traffic Control System) rules apply.

CONTROLLED BLOCK
A block in CTC (Centralized Traffic Control System) between consecutive controlled
locations or points.
CONTROLLED SIGNAL
A CTC (Centralized Traffic Control System) block signal which is capable of displaying
a Stop indication until requested to display a less restrictive indication by the RTC (Rail
Traffic Controller).
CONTROLLED LOCATION
A location in CTC the limits of which are defined by opposing controlled signals.
CONTROLLED POINT
A signal location in CTC (Centralized Traffic Control System) consisting of controlled
signal(s) in one direction only.
CROSSOVER
A track joining adjacent main tracks, or a main track and another track.

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2/1/23, 10:46 PM Definitions

DAILY OPERATING BULLETIN (DOB)

A document containing applicable information from each GBO (General Bulletin
Order), instructions and other information requiring compliance within limits indicated
in special instructions.

ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS METHOD (ECM)

An electronic method for transmission and cancellation of authorities, instructions or
information.

ENGINE
A locomotive(s) operated from a single control or a cab control car, used in train,
transfer or yard service.
ENGINE IN YARD SERVICE
An engine with or without cars utilized exclusively in switching, marshalling, humping,
trimming and industrial switching.
EQUIPMENT
One or more engines and/or cars which can be handled on their own wheels in a
movement.
EXCLUSIVE TOP
A TOP that provides exclusive occupancy of the track to one foreman. No more than
two track units can operate within the limits of an Exclusive TOP.

EXCLUSIVE TRACK UNIT SPEED

When protected by an Exclusive TOP, it is a speed that permits a track unit to stop
short of a switch not properly lined.
Track units handling equipment must not exceed the lesser of; authorized freight,
passenger or temporary speed restrictions. The delivery method for temporary speed
restrictions will be indicated in special instructions.

FIXED SIGNAL
A signal or sign at a fixed location indicating a condition affecting the operation of a
movement.
FOLLOW-UP TOP
A TOP issued within limits of a movement(s) that has passed or will be identified by the
foreman as having passed the foreman’s location.

GENERAL BULLETIN ORDER(S) (GBO)

Instructions regarding track condition restrictions and other information that affect the
safety and operation of a movement.

HEAVY GRADE
A portion of a track 2 miles in length or greater, with an average grade greater than
1.0%, and less than or equal to 1.8%.

HIGH RISK LOCATION

A track, or portion of a track, other than a main track, subdivision track, or siding;
identified in special instructions, on which unattended equipment requires the

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application of Rule 112(a).

INTERLOCKING
An arrangement of interconnected signals and signal appliances for which interlocking
rules and special instructions are in effect.

INTERLOCKING LIMITS
The tracks between the extreme or outer opposing interlocking signals of an
interlocking.
INTERLOCKING SIGNAL
A fixed signal at the entrance to or within interlocking limits to govern the use of the
routes.

MAIN TRACK
A track of a subdivision extending through and between stations governed by one or
more methods of control upon which movements, track units and track work must be
authorized.

MARKER
When used, will indicate the last piece of equipment in a movement. It will be one of
the following:

a red light, a red reflectorized plaque, a sense and braking unit (SBU), or
an occupied caboose, distributed power remote locomotive consist or distributed
braking car, when the last piece of equipment in the direction of travel.
METHOD OF CONTROL
Rules and/or special instructions governing the use of a track(s).

MOUNTAIN GRADE
A portion of a track 2 miles in length or greater, with an average grade greater than
1.8%.
MOVEMENT(S)
The term used in these rules to indicate that the rule is applicable to trains, transfers or
engines in yard service.

MULTI-TRACK
Two or more main tracks of a subdivision at the same location.
NON-MAIN TRACK (NMT)
Any track(s) other than those listed in time table columns as having CTC (Centralized
Traffic Control System), OCS (Occupancy Control System), ABS (Automatic Block
Signal System) or Cautionary Limits applicable and unless otherwise provided include
a requirement to operate at REDUCED speed.
NON-SIGNALLED SIDING
A siding where non-main track rules apply, the use of which may be governed by
special instructions.

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2/1/23, 10:46 PM Definitions

OCCUPANCY CONTROL SYSTEM (OCS)

A system in which OCS (Occupancy Control System) rules apply.

Occupational Terms:
Assistant Conductor
An employee working under the supervision of a conductor. May also be referred to as
trainman or yardman.

Conductor
An employee in charge of the operation of a movement.

Employee
A person qualified to regulatory and company standards employed by the company.
Applies to contract employees and employees of other companies and railways
operating and/or performing other rules related duties on the host railway trackage.

Foreman
An employee in charge of the protection of track work and track units.

Locomotive Engineer
An employee in control of the engine.
Pilot
An employee assigned to a movement when the locomotive engineer or conductor, or
both, are not fully acquainted with the physical characteristics or rules of the railway
over which the movement is to be operated.

Proper Authority
The rail traffic controller or the appropriate railway supervisor.

Rail Traffic Controller (RTC)

An employee in charge of the supervision and direction of movements and for the
provision of protection for track work and track units on a specified territory.

Signalman
An employee in charge of an interlocking.
Sub-foreman
A rules qualified employee that works under the protection held by a foreman.

Switchtender
An employee that handles switches for other employees.

Utility Employee
An employee who can be used as a temporary crew member or perform other
assigned duties.

SCHEDULE
Information pertaining to the operating times of a passenger train.

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2/1/23, 10:46 PM Definitions

SIDING
A track adjacent and connected to the main track which is so designated in the time
table, GBO (General Bulletin Order) or operating bulletin.

SIDING CONTROL TERRITORY (SCT)

Non-signalled sidings indicated in special instructions where SCT (Siding Control
Territory) rules are applicable.

SIGNALLED SIDING
A siding where CTC (Centralized Traffic Control System) rules apply.

SIGNAL INDICATION
The information conveyed by a fixed signal.

SINGLE TRACK
One main track on a subdivision at a location.

Switches
Auto-Normal Switch
A locally-controlled switch, which will automatically restore to normal position after a
movement has cleared the switch track circuit.
Dual Control Switch
A switch equipped for powered and hand operation.

Electric Switch Lock

An electric lock connected with a hand operated switch to prevent its operation until
the lock is released.

Main Track Hand Operated Switch

A switch connected to the main track used to route equipment or a track unit to or from
the main track.

Normal Position Reverse Position

Main Track Hand Operated Switch

Note: Switch targets may be different shapes than illustrated but must not be diamond
shape.

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2/1/23, 10:46 PM Definitions

Non-Main Track Hand Operated Switch

A switch used to route equipment or a track unit within non-main track territory.

Normal Position Reverse Position

Non-Main Track Hand Operated Switch

Note: Switch targets may be different shapes than illustrated but must not be diamond
shape..

Power-Operated Switch
A switch equipped for powered operation, but not equipped for hand operation.

Semi-Automatic Switch
A non-main track switch equipped with an internal securing mechanism that permits
equipment to trail through the switch points thus setting the switch for the route being
used.

Set for Normal Route

Set for Other Than Normal Route

Semi-Automatic Switch

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Note: Switch targets must be diamond shaped.

Spring Switch
A switch equipped with a spring mechanism arranged to restore the switch points to
normal position after having been trailed through.

Switch
A device used to route equipment or a track unit from one track to another.

Speeds
DIVERGING Speed
A speed not exceeding 25 miles per hour.
LIMITED Speed
A speed not exceeding 45 miles per hour.
MEDIUM Speed
A speed not exceeding 30 miles per hour.
REDUCED Speed
A speed that will permit stopping within one-half the range of vision of equipment.

RESTRICTED Speed
A speed that will permit stopping within one-half the range of vision of equipment, also
prepared to stop short of a switch not properly lined and in no case exceeding SLOW
speed.

When moving at RESTRICTED speed, be on the lookout for broken rails.

When a broken rail is detected, the movement must be stopped immediately and must
not resume until permission is received from the RTC (Rail Traffic Controller) or
signalman.
SLOW Speed
A speed not exceeding 15 miles per hour.
TURNOUT Speed
Unless otherwise provided by signal indication or special instructions, a speed not
exceeding 15 MPH (Miles per hour).

STATION
A location identified by a station name sign and designated by that name in the time
table.
SUBDIVISION
Railway trackage designated by time table.
SUBDIVISION TRACK
A Non-Main Track so indicated in the time table method of control column that is an
extension of the main track, and the through track at that location, defined with
subdivision mile posts.

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2/1/23, 10:46 PM Definitions

REDUCED speed is applicable to a maximum speed as indicated in the time table.

Transfers must not exceed 15 MPH (Miles per hour).
TABULAR GENERAL BULLETIN ORDER (TGBO)
A document specific to a movement, containing applicable information from each GBO
(General Bulletin Order), instructions and other information requiring compliance within
limits indicated in the TGBO (Tabular General Bulletin Order).

TIME TABLE
The special instruction that contains subdivision description information and footnotes
relating to the operation of movements and track units. Time table may contain
information applicable on other tracks.

TRACK OCCUPANCY PERMIT (TOP)

Authority issued for the protection of track units and track work.

TRACK UNIT (TU)

A vehicle or machine capable of on-track operation utilized for track inspection, track
work and other railway activities when on a track.
TRACK UNIT SPEED
A speed that;

(a) permits a track unit to stop within one-half the range of vision of equipment or a
track unit;
(b) permits a track unit to stop short of a switch not properly lined or any
obstruction or track defect that may prevent safe passage; and
(c) does not exceed maximum authorized speed for that track unit.
Track units handling equipment must not exceed the lesser of; authorized freight,
passenger or temporary speed restrictions. The delivery method for temporary speed
restrictions will be indicated in special instructions.

TRACK WORK
Any work on or near the track that may render the track unsafe for movements at
normal speed or where protection against movements may be required for employees
and machines involved in track construction and repairs.

TRAILING END
The tail end of the last piece of equipment in a movement in the direction of travel.

TRAIN
An engine with or without cars intended to operate on the main track at speeds in
excess of 15 MPH (Miles per hour) or a track unit when so designated.

TRAIN INFORMATION BRAKING SYSTEM (TIBS)

A system with rear and front communication components capable of:

(i) monitoring and displaying brake pipe pressure on the rear car;
(ii) calculating and displaying distance measurement;
(iii) initiating an emergency brake application at the rear of the train from the
controlling locomotive.

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TRANSFER
An engine with or without cars operating on main track at speeds not exceeding 15
MPH (Miles per hour).
UNATTENDED
When an employee is not in close enough proximity to take effective action.
YARD
A system of non-main tracks, utilized to switch equipment and for other purposes over
which movements may operate subject to prescribed signals, rules and special
instructions.

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