40-year-old elevator replacements will improve accessibility and reliability

July 30, 2025

NEW WESTMINSTER, BC – TransLink is elevating the customer experience by replacing all original Expo Line elevators — most of which are from the opening of SkyTrain in 1985.

The Expo Line Elevator Replacement Program will improve station accessibility and reliability for customers by replacing 21 original elevators across 15 stations. Once complete, all original Expo Line elevators will have been replaced with newer, more spacious ones.

The new elevators will be:

• More spacious with extra room for customers with mobility devices, strollers, bikes, and luggage
• More reliable due to reduced downtime required for maintenance
• More weather-resilient in warm weather

Two elevator replacements are already under way at Nanaimo and 22^nd Street stations. Each elevator replacement will take approximately four months to complete. Elevators will be replaced a few at a time until all remaining original Expo Line elevators are replaced to minimize disruptions for customers.

This program follows our recent replacement of 37 original Expo Line escalators and is the next stage in improving the customer experience by ensuring our SkyTrain system continues to operate safely and reliably.

Customers can receive live texts or email updates about elevator closures at their frequently used stations by subscribing to Station Alerts. Customers can also find up-to-date information about elevator closures on the Transit Alerts webpage, or information about the Expo Line Replacement Program at translink.ca/elevators.

This $32 million investment was approved by the Mayors’ Council as part of Phase 2 of the Mayors’ 10-Year Vision, with partial funding from the federal government’s Canada Community Building Fund (CCBF) and from the Government of British Columbia. To complete the replacement of additional SkyTrain elevators, TransLink will seek funds through future Investment Plans.

Quotes:

Brad West, Chair, Mayors’ Council –
“Elevators are essential to ensuring customers can access transit reliably, and this program will reduce how often they break down. This work is a result of the Mayors’ 10-Year Vision, and we are proud to continue improving transit in Metro Vancouver through the Access for Everyone plan.”

Kevin Quinn, CEO, TransLink –
“By replacing our elevators from the 1980’s, we are taking customer experiences to new heights. These new elevators will make transit more reliable and accessible for those travelling with mobility devices, bicycles, strollers, or luggage.”

The Honourable Gregor Robertson, Minister of Housing and Infrastructure and Minister responsible for Pacific Economic Development –
“Our government is proud to support the modernization of the SkyTrain’s Expo Line. Replacing the original elevators will enhance accessibility, improve reliability, and ensure the system continues to meet the needs of passengers for decades to come.”

George Anderson, Parliamentary Secretary for Transit –
“Upgrading the original Expo Line elevators raises the standard for transit in Metro Vancouver. These new elevators will open doors for people with mobility challenges, parents with strollers, and travellers with luggage. It’s a smart investment in a modern, inclusive transit system that works for people in their everyday lives.”

Christine Boyle, Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs, Government of British Columbia –
“Transit users with mobility devices, strollers, bikes and luggage will benefit from new, more spacious and reliable elevators across Expo Line. These upgrades reflect our government’s commitment to improving lives by investing in accessible, modern infrastructure that makes everyday travel safer and more convenient for everyone.”

More information:
Sign up for TransLink Station Alerts here
TransLink Elevator Replacement Program webpage

Media contact:
TransLink Media Relations
E: media@translink.ca