TransLink Begins Retirement of Iconic Mark I SkyTrain Cars

The retirement of the iconic Mark I SkyTrain cars has commenced in Metro Vancouver, marking a significant transition in the region’s public transit history. TransLink is taking steps to remove these original trains from service as part of a broader initiative to phase them out in favor of the new Mark V trains, which are gradually being introduced on the Expo and Millennium lines.

Launched in the 1980s and early 1990s, the Mark I cars have served as a familiar mode of transport for generations of passengers. With the new Mark V trains now rolling out, the need to clear space in the limited storage facilities at SkyTrain’s trainyards has become critical. The Mark I fleet, consisting of 150 cars, has reached the end of its operational lifespan, necessitating their removal to accommodate the incoming longer, five-car Mark V trains.

TransLink is exploring innovative ways to preserve the legacy of these trains. The public transit authority has initiated a proposal process, inviting municipal governments, businesses, and community organizations to submit ideas for repurposing some of the retired cars. As of early 2025, TransLink has received 11 proposals, with plans to unveil selected projects over time.

One notable reuse project was announced in Fall 2025, when Lumostage Virtual Production revealed that it would transform a Mark I car into Canada’s first standing subway train set for film and television productions. Located in Langley Township, Lumostage aims to create a unique environment for the entertainment industry. Another proposal from The Narrow Group, in partnership with Apartment Sage, involves converting certain cars into mobile artist studios, although this project has not yet come to fruition.

The transition to the Mark V fleet is well underway. As of early November 2025, five Mark V trains (comprising 25 cars) were already in service, with another three undergoing testing. The first Mark V train entered service in July 2025, and by 2029, TransLink plans to have received a total of 235 Mark V cars, forming 47 five-car trains. These modern trains are designed to enhance comfort and capacity on the Expo and Millennium lines, addressing the increasing demand expected from future extensions, including the Broadway and Surrey-Langley lines.

For perspective, if all 150 Mark I cars were placed end to end, they would stretch approximately two kilometers, equivalent to the length of Robson Street between Denman Street and Beatty Street near BC Place Stadium. Given this scale, only a small fraction of the Mark I cars are anticipated to be preserved for new uses. The final Mark I cars are scheduled for retirement by 2027, with most likely destined for scrap recycling.

Recent images shared by local transit enthusiast Chris Cassidy illustrate the ongoing dismantling process, showing some Mark I cars being torn apart at a recycling facility in Surrey. The visual impact of these once-familiar trains being reduced to scrap metal has elicited mixed feelings among the public. For many, the Mark I cars symbolize a significant part of SkyTrain’s history, while others welcome the change, noting the outdated features of these aging vehicles, such as limited ventilation and high noise levels.

The Mark II cars, which entered service in the early 2000s, are also on the path toward retirement. According to reports, TransLink is expected to exercise options with train manufacturer Alstom in 2026 to construct additional Mark V trains aimed at phasing out the entire Mark II fleet. Currently, the estimated cost to replace the early 2000s batch of 60 Mark II cars is around $433 million.

Repurposing retired trains is a practice seen in various cities worldwide. In places like Hong Kong and Montreal, decommissioned subway cars have been creatively transformed into community landmarks. Similarly, in New York City, old subway cars have been intentionally sunk to create artificial reefs, benefiting marine ecosystems.

As the Mark I retirement process continues, TransLink remains committed to finding innovative solutions that honor the legacy of these trains while adapting to the evolving needs of the Metro Vancouver community.