As Metro Vancouver continues to grow, so does the SkyTrain network.

Source: TransLink

TransLink is embarking on a substantial investment program to prepare the SkyTrain system for more passengers in more neighborhoods. New trains are on the horizon, designed to accommodate additional riders, bicycles, and mobility devices. Not only are the trains getting an upgrade, but SkyTrain’s maintenance facilities, stations, control center, and system infrastructure will also be enhanced to support an expanded network and the introduction of new trains.

The SkyTrain Expansion Program encompasses a series of infrastructure investments aimed at ensuring the network is well-prepared for the provincial Broadway Subway Project (Millennium Line Extension) and the Surrey-Langley SkyTrain (Expo Line Extension). These upgrades are not only about future growth; they’re also focused on keeping the system safe, reliable, and comfortable for both current and future customers.

By 2029, TransLink anticipates being able to serve approximately 20% more customers on the Expo Line and 50% more on the Millennium Line during peak hours.

SkyTrain Fleet Expansion

TransLink is introducing over 200 new SkyTrain cars to the existing fleet, consisting of 41 new Mark V trains. Thanks to funding approved for the 10-Year Vision for Metro Vancouver transportation, these Mark V trains will be configured with five cars, making them longer than the current trains and capable of accommodating up to 25% more passengers. This expansion will allow TransLink to serve more neighborhoods and align with the province’s Broadway Subway and Surrey Langley SkyTrain extensions.

Qualifications testing for the first Mark V train began in June 2023, and it is expected to enter service on the Expo Line by winter 2024. The remaining trains will gradually join the fleet and be in service by 2028. These new trains feature walk-through carriages from end to end, providing more space and additional amenities for passengers with mobility devices, strollers, and bicycles. The design of these amenities is based on valuable feedback received from an online survey and public information sessions held in early 2019.

Potential Layout Improvements:

• Introduction of perimeter (sideways) seating in the new SkyTrain cars.
• Inclusion of bike racks in flexible areas for convenient and comfortable storage.
• Installation of leaning rails for passengers who prefer to rest without sitting.
• Incorporation of flexible areas to better serve passengers with mobility devices, strollers, bicycles, and luggage.

Infrastructure Upgrade Projects

In preparation for accommodating more passengers and the provincial-built Broadway Subway Project and Surrey Langley SkyTrain extensions, SkyTrain’s infrastructure will undergo significant upgrades. These upgrades will extend to stations and platforms and cover propulsion power, automatic train controls, and communication systems throughout the SkyTrain network.

Here are the planned changes:

Station Access and Safety
Infrastructure enhancements at SkyTrain stations will focus on improving accessibility and safety for passengers. These include:

• Adding gap fillers between trains and station platforms to enhance accessibility for customers with wheelchairs and mobility devices.
• Relocating staff walkways along the tracks.
• Relocating emergency exit stairs and increasing capacity.
• Relocating track intrusion monitoring system hardware.
• Adding guideway signage for manual train operations.

All Expo and Millennium Line stations will receive one or more of these upgrades as needed, with a priority sequence for implementation. Construction is expected to be completed by 2026. Most of the work will not impact transit service or access, but some interruptions and intermittent nighttime/weekend work may occur.

Other Initiatives

Operations Control Centre
TransLink is in the process of constructing a new, modern, and expanded control center for the SkyTrain network. This new center will house a larger data center and automatic train control facilities, replacing the existing one-room control center. The expanded space will accommodate more equipment and staff to manage an extended SkyTrain network with a higher number of trains in service.

The new control center is located near the existing maintenance facilities close to Edmonds station and is expected to be operational by 2026. This control center will also oversee trains on the Surrey-Langley SkyTrain extension when it becomes operational.

Propulsion Power Upgrades
The SkyTrain system relies on a network of propulsion power substations to provide the necessary electrical power for running trains. As the fleet expands with longer trains and increased service levels, additional substations are essential to maintain a safe and reliable SkyTrain service.

The expansion and upgrade of the SkyTrain’s propulsion power network will involve adding new power substations along the Expo and Millennium Lines. Substation locations were selected based on a study to provide the most significant benefits to the network. The project started in Vancouver at VCC-Clark Station in June 2023, followed by substations in Burnaby at Sperling. The Moody Center substation is set to begin in 2024.

What Changes Are Coming?
From 2023 to 2026, the plan includes adding eight propulsion power substations (three in Vancouver, two in Burnaby, one in Surrey, one in Coquitlam, and one in Port Moody). From 2023 to 2024, there will be replacements or additions of transformer rectifier units at existing substations.

During the substation construction, SkyTrain service levels or station access will remain unchanged. However, there will be some construction noise on these days. TransLink appreciates the patience of its customers and the community as it enhances the SkyTrain network for a better and safer transit experience.

Port Moody
Estimated timeline: August 2024 to May 2025
The new propulsion power substation in Port Moody will be situated adjacent to the SkyTrain line on the north side of Clarke St, just west of the Moody Street overpass. The work will involve constructing a building to house the substation, installing the substation electrical equipment, connecting to BC Hydro’s network, and implementing hard and soft landscaping.

Construction work will mainly occur during the day, within the work window permitted by Municipal Bylaws. Throughout the construction phase, there will be no changes to SkyTrain service levels or station access. Once the new substation goes into service, trains will be able to run more frequently.

Project Status
Construction is currently in progress and is set to be completed by 2026.

Communications Systems
The existing telecommunication and radio systems that facilitate voice and data communication between Control Operators, trains, and customers have reached the end of their service life and require upgrades to support an expanded SkyTrain network and remain in a state of good repair. Work is underway to replace and modernize communications systems, including passenger calls to customer service and in-train service announcements.

The technology systems that facilitate communications between the control center, platforms, and trains use fiber optic cabling. The existing cabling on the SkyTrain rails will be removed and replaced to improve data communications on an expanded network.

Project Status
Upgrades are in progress and expected to be completed by 2028.

Storage and Maintenance Facilities Projects
SkyTrain’s existing storage and maintenance facilities are at capacity, and additional space is needed to schedule more maintenance activities and ensure trains are ready for service faster than before.

TransLink is expanding and updating the current maintenance facilities near Edmonds Station in Burnaby with longer cleaning bays, more maintenance and office space, and inspection areas. These changes will be completed by summer 2024.

TransLink is also building a new maintenance facility in Coquitlam near Braid Station, which will be completed by 2027. More space will be required for the SkyTrain fleet with the opening of the Surrey-Langley SkyTrain (Expo Line Extension), and plans for an additional maintenance facility to meet future needs are in the works.

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