SkyTrain Canada Line Trains to Undergo Major Refurbishment

The original fleet of trains on SkyTrain’s Canada Line, which has been in service since its opening in 2009, is set to undergo a significant refurbishment. TransLink, the agency responsible for public transportation in the Metro Vancouver area, has announced plans to modernize these trains over the coming years. This initiative aims to extend the lifespan of the vehicles and improve their reliability.

The Canada Line currently operates with a fleet of 40 cars, consisting of 20 two-car trains manufactured by Hyundai Rotem. As ridership has steadily increased since the line’s inception, the wear and tear on these original trains has become increasingly evident. While the refurbishment will enhance technical systems and components, passengers should not expect any major visible changes to the train interiors or the addition of new amenities, such as real-time LCD displays for next-station information, which are available on newer Mark V trains operating on the Expo and Millennium lines.

In response to inquiries, a TransLink spokesperson stated that the upgrades will focus on “numerous train systems and components” to ensure better reliability. Additionally, plans are in place to enhance the train communications systems on the Canada Line, further boosting the overall performance of the service.

Expansion and Modernization Efforts

Between 2019 and 2020, the Canada Line’s fleet was expanded to 64 cars, with the addition of 24 new cars from Hyundai Rotem. These newer trains, while visually similar to the original fleet, feature improvements in air conditioning to enhance passenger comfort.

The Canada Line is operated and maintained by a consortium led by AtkinsRealis, with a public-private partnership contract that will expire in 2040. In tandem with the Canada Line upgrades, TransLink is also focused on modernizing the locomotives and passenger cars used on the West Coast Express commuter rail. Operated by Alstom, this initiative includes the refurbishment of locomotives, with three currently in service and a fourth expected to return by Summer 2025. The fifth locomotive is scheduled for refurbishment by the end of July 2025, with an anticipated return in Spring 2027.

Future Developments and Service Enhancements

Efforts to enhance the SeaBus ferry terminals are also underway, targeting improved passenger circulation, comfort, and convenience. This includes the replacement of aging operational equipment such as loading doors and emergency exit ramps, along with upgrades to the skywalk connecting Waterfront Station to the ferry terminal.

Looking ahead, TransLink plans to introduce a total of 235 Mark V cars—equivalent to 47 five-car trains—on the Expo and Millennium lines by 2029. The first of these new generation trains entered service in the latter half of 2025. In previous years, TransLink had refurbished some of the original Mark I SkyTrain cars, which are the oldest trains on the Expo and Millennium lines. This refurbishment included updates to electrical systems, interior changes, and repainting aimed at extending their operational life.

As the modernization of the SkyTrain system continues, the original Mark I fleet will eventually be fully replaced by the new Mark V trains. TransLink also plans to execute significant orders to replace the Mark II trains, which have been in service since the early 2000s, with expectations for their retirement to occur in the early to late 2030s.

Through these efforts, TransLink aims to ensure that the SkyTrain system remains reliable and efficient for its growing ridership, reinforcing its commitment to enhancing public transportation in the region.