Metro Vancouver SkyTrain cars set to get $722.6-million upgrade
Posted December 17, 2020 7:41 pm.
Last Updated December 18, 2020 2:07 am.
NEWS WESTMINSTER (NEWS 1130) — The SkyTrain cars that Princess Diana and Prince Charles travelled on during Expo ’86 will soon be replaced with newer models.
Replacing “first generation” Expo Line cars that have been in service since 1985 is part of a $722.6-million upgrade announced by TransLink Thursday.
“The 205 new SkyTrain cars will allow TransLink to retire older vehicles, improve fleet quality, and keep service reliable for customers. The contract will also support service expansion as the region’s transit network grows with the Broadway Subway Project and Surrey-Langley SkyTrain,” reads a news release.
Throwback to this time when Princess Diana and Prince Charles rode the new SkyTrain during their visit to open Expo ’86. The Expo Line recently marked its 35th anniversary! In case you're wondering, #TheCrown series does not highlight this memorable trip…but it should! pic.twitter.com/8JCzpPMpFd
— News from TransLink (@TransLinkNews) December 10, 2020
The first of the new cars will hit the tracks in 2023.
The purchase is being funded by the feds, the province, and the transit authority.
“Almost four decades ago our very first SkyTrain cars entered service, travelling between Vancouver and New Westminster. Those first-generation trains have served our region efficiently and reliably over many years, but they are now reaching the end of their life cycle,” says Kevin Desmond, TransLink’s outgoing CEO.
This new order will replace our oldest trains and allow us to improve the customer experience, support expansion projects, and manage our capacity well into the future.”
