Rail Safety Is Everyone's Responsibility
Based in Saint John, NB, our NBM Railways team members have been passionate advocates for rail and public safety for decades. They have worked with Operation Lifesaver, law enforcement officials, government stakeholders and school districts to educate and empower the public to be safe near railroads.
“We're working hard to ensure people stay off the tracks, adhere to signs and signals, and stay alert. We live and work here and want to ensure our neighbors are safe,” says Ian Simpson, General Manager of NBM Railways. “We have a strong relationship with Operation Lifesaver, and through them, with other major railways across Canada. I speak for the entire industry in saying we care deeply about the safety of our communities and the environments in which we operate.”
These efforts often pick up steam ahead of Rail Safety Week, which takes place the third week of September each year. Established by Operation Lifesaver, Rail Safety Week’s mandate is to stop track tragedies. Current data shows that crossing collisions and pedestrian trespassing on tracks together account for over 95% of all railroad fatalities. In Canada alone, there have been 82 documented crossing incidents (9 fatalities; 13 serious injuries) and 34 trespassing incidents (22 fatalities; 7 serious injuries) in 2022. *
The goal isn’t to scare people away from trains. Rather, the railway has also been a leader in organizing the PALS (Partners Assisting Local Schools) Program’s “Ride the Rails” for 20 years. Through “Ride the Rails,” students in grade 4 across New Brunswick’s Anglophone School District – South participate in class train rides, activities, and an interactive rail safety session. For many students, teachers, and parents, it’s a highlight of the academic year.
Due to the pandemic, the train rides were cancelled in 2020 and 2021. PALS Program Coordinator, Deb Fisher, is optimistic about the future, however. The train rides are scheduled to resume in fall, 2022.
*Data provided by Operation Lifesaver, last updated July 2022.
September is Transportation Month
As a result of COVID-19, the world has a heightened awareness of transportation and the demand to keep supply chains open. Truck drivers, mariners, railroaders, and their support teams worked diligently to ensure shelves were stocked throughout the pandemic. Even through the worst, our teams stepped up. By road, rail, and sea, they always delivered.
We thank the employees who took every precaution to ensure their communities and customers remained safe. We thank their families and the friends who supported them.
Through September, we observe several transportation events. In recognition of National Trucking Week (Sept. 4-10), Rail Safety Week (Sept. 19-25), and World Maritime Day (Sept. 30), we encourage you to reflect on the role transportation plays in your life, and all the people who keep goods flowing to market.
Our Business
J.D. Irving, Limited’s Transportation & Logistics Division encompasses one of the world’s most diverse array of transportation companies. These include Atlantic Towing; Harbour Development; Kent Line; NBM Railways; RST; Sunbury Transport; Midland; JDI Logistics; and Universal Truck and Trailer.
Are you interested in joining our team? Visit to view openings across our transportation services. A Class 1 Professional Driver License is required for professional driving roles.