Metro Vancouver's SkyTrain system receives upgrades

March 01, 2013

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA – Construction has begun at Metro Vancouver’s Main Street-Science World Station, the first of seven SkyTrain stations to undergo accessibility and safety improvements over the next three years.

Metrotown, Commercial-Broadway, Scott Road, Surrey Central, New Westminster, and Joyce-Collingwood stations will also undergo upgrades. Work is anticipated to be finished by 2016.

The upgrades at the seven stations cost $164 million, with funding provided by the Government of Canada, Government of British Columbia and TransLink.

The Government of Canada is providing $41 million through the Building Canada Fund.

“Our Government has made significant investments to help make public transit safer and more convenient across the Lower Mainland,” said the Honourable James Moore, Minister Responsible for British Columbia. “These upgrades will make the SkyTrain system more secure and user-friendly, while creating local jobs and economic growth in the Vancouver region.”

The Government of British Columbia is contributing $83 million.

“Over the last 10 years, our government has provided $2 billion to TransLink to help improve the quality of life for families and communities,” said Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Mary Polak. “These station upgrades will help to ensure the SkyTrain system can continue to serve demand as the population grows and more British Columbians switch from driving to more environmentally friendly choices like taking transit, cycling and walking.”

TransLink, Metro Vancouver’s transportation authority, will contribute $40 million for the upgrades.

“These upgrades are prioritized based on the greatest need for accessibility and safety considerations,” said Ian Jarvis, CEO, TransLink.  “These stations will meet the needs of our ridership for years to come, thanks to the help of senior government partners."

Upgrades to Main Street-Science World include new, more accessible station entrances, a new elevator, escalators, enhanced weather protection and lighting, as well as new retail space and bike parking facilities.  Work will coincide with the installation of faregates.

Background Information
• Launched into regular service in January 1986, SkyTrain is the world’s first and one of the world’s longest fully-automated, driverless rapid transit systems. 
• The SkyTrain system comprises three lines, 47 stations and nearly 69 kilometres of track.
• In 2011, the SkyTrain system carried nearly 117 million passengers.
• A fourth SkyTrain line, the Evergreen Line, will open in 2016 and will include seven stations and an additional 11 kilometres of track.  

Learn More
Main Street Science World Station Upgrades
Expo Line Upgrade Strategy
Project & customer impact information: Ontrack Page