Canada is investing hundreds of billions of dollars in new transit and passenger rail projects—but until now, there’s been no unified national standards framework to guide how those systems are designed and built.

In this episode of Transit Unplugged, host Paul Comfort sits down with Ana-Maria Tomlinson, Director of Strategic and Cross-Sector Programs at CSA Group (Canadian Standards Association), to explore how Canada is working to change that.

Ana-Maria shares how CSA Group—Canada’s national standards organization—is developing a four-part national code for transit and passenger rail systems, covering everything from urban transit and conventional rail to future high-speed rail projects. The goal: reduce risk, improve consistency, and bring greater predictability to some of the most complex infrastructure projects in the country.

The conversation explores:

Why Canada lacks a unified transit and rail standards framework today
How other regions (Europe, Australia, Japan, and the U.S.) approach rail standards
The difference between voluntary standards and regulation—and how standards often become codified
How CSA plans to integrate existing international standards while addressing major gaps
What transit agencies, consultants, contractors, and governments can expect next
How industry professionals can get involved in shaping the code
A brief update on Canada’s emerging high-speed rail ambitions, including the Toronto–Québec City corridor

This is a rare look behind the scenes at how the “rules of the road” for transit systems are created—and why they matter long before the first train ever runs.

Host: Paul Comfort

Executive Producer: Julie Gates

Producer: Paul Comfort

Editor: Patrick Emile

Associate Producer: Cyndi Raskin

Brand design: Tina Olagundoye

Social Media: Tatyana Mechkarova

If you have a question or comment, email us at info@transitunplugged.com.

Follow us on social media:

/ transit-unplugged

https://x.com/transitunplug

https://www.threads.net/@transitunplu...

/ transitunplugged

Sign up for the Transit Unplugged Newsletter: https://transitunplugged.com/subscrib...

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the guests, and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Modaxo Inc., its affiliates or subsidiaries, or any entities they represent (“Modaxo”). This production belongs to Modaxo, and may contain information that may be subject to trademark, copyright, or other intellectual property rights and restrictions. This production provides general information, and should not be relied on as legal advice or opinion. Modaxo specifically disclaims all warranties, express or implied, and will not be liable for any losses, claims, or damages arising from the use of this presentation, from any material contained in it, or from any action or decision taken in response to it.

"We’re looking at developing a national code for transit and passenger rail systems.”

Transit Unplugged

"We’re looking at developing a national code for transit and passenger rail systems.”