Canada’s railways report strong growth in safety, ridership, investment, and workforce in latest industry review

The Railway Association of Canada (RAC) has released Rail Trends 2025, a rolling ten-year review of the financial and statistical performance of the Canadian rail industry.

“The data shown in Rail Trends 2025 demonstrate that Canada’s railways are delivering measurable progress for the economy, supply chains, and the communities they serve,” said Eric Harvey, President and CEO of the Railway Association of Canada. “Strong safety performance, sustained capital investment, and a growing, well-compensated workforce reflect an industry that is performing at a high level while planning for the long term. At the same time, growing passenger ridership and efficient freight operations highlight rail’s role in reducing congestion, supporting trade, and advancing sustainability. Rail Trends provides clear, data-driven evidence of the sector’s essential role in keeping Canada competitive and connected.”

Highlights of the 33rd edition of Rail Trends include $4.5 billion invested by Canadian railways to improve safety, efficiency, capacity, and supply chain fluidity. The sector recorded its lowest freight accident rate on record and a 12.4% improvement in the passenger rail accident rate, while safely transporting over half a million carloads of dangerous goods.

The Canadian rail industry directly employed 38,000 people, the highest level since 2001. Most employees are unionised and receive average compensation of $110,000, roughly 50% higher than the average full-time Canadian salary. Passenger railways also saw a recovery in ridership, with commuter numbers rising by 22.7% and intercity passengers increasing by 8.6%, helping to reduce congestion on public roads. Taxes paid by the sector exceeded $2.7 billion.

Rail Trends 2025 compiles data from RAC members including Class 1 and shortline freight operators, as well as tourist, intercity, and commuter passenger railways. The report covers figures up to 31 December 2024, with data for 2025 to be included in next year’s edition.

The full Rail Trends report is available here. Data for 2025 will be covered in next year’s report.