TransLink seeking other creative ideas for retiring Mark I fleet

LANGLEY TOWNSHIP, BC – An iconic piece of Metro Vancouver’s transit history is rolling into the spotlight. A SkyTrain car from TransLink’s retiring Mark I fleet has been given a new home in a BC film studio — by Lumostage Virtual Production in Langley Township. Lumostage has repurposed an original Mark I car and integrated it into a 180-degree LED stage for film and television productions.

As the very first SkyTrain vehicles near the end of their service lives, and make way for new Mark V cars in the coming years, TransLink is inviting creative ideas to ensure these historic trains continue serving the region in fresh and innovative ways.

“We’re thrilled to see one of our iconic SkyTrain cars enjoy a future which will preserve its legacy while supporting one of our strongest local industries,” says TransLink CEO Kevin Quinn. “Since first rolling out nearly 40 years ago, the Mark I SkyTrain cars have carried millions of customers and become a defining symbol of Metro Vancouver’s transit system.”

“Filming subway scenes in BC has always been a challenge — until now,” says Lumostage Chief Operating Officer Angus Luk-Ramsay. “By working with TransLink and top motion picture engineers and artists, Lumostage has turned a retired SkyTrain car into a film-friendly, interactive subway train set that makes our province an even more attractive destination for motion picture and commercial productions.”

TransLink is once again looking for other creative ideas to relocate and repurpose the rest of the roughly 130 retiring Mark I SkyTrain cars. Interested individuals, businesses, developers, community organizations, and municipalities are encouraged to submit proposals through a new Request for Information (RFI). This follows an initial call for idea submissions in November 2024.

Accepted applicants are responsible for funding the transport of the SkyTrain cars from the BC Rapid Transit Company (BCRTC) storage facility, as well as covering all the future costs of repurposing the cars.

Creative proposals for the next set of cars will be accepted until November 28, 2025. Additional applications will open at a later date, as more vehicles are phased out of service.

Media downloads:
RFI-Mark I SkyTrain Vehicle Relocation and Repurposing
Photos of Mark I on film set and video of Mark I being transported

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