Upgrade will improve accessibility and reliability

At a glance:

• What's happening: Starting Nov. 3, the nearly 40-year-old elevator at Patterson Station will close for replacement, with the new elevator expected to open in spring 2027.
• What's improving: The new elevator will be 20 per cent larger, providing more space for customers using mobility devices, strollers and bicycles, while improving reliability and reducing maintenance-related disruptions.
• Impact on customers: Customers who require elevator access will need to use alternative travel routes during the closure and should allow an additional 30 minutes for their journeys.

BURNABY, BC – The 40-year-old elevator serving Patterson Station is getting replaced as part of TransLink’s ongoing efforts to improve accessibility and system reliability for customers. 

The existing elevator will close on Nov. 3 to allow for construction to begin, with the new elevator set to open in spring 2027. 

The replacement elevator has 20 per cent more room, making it easier for customers using mobility devices, strollers, or bikes to move through the station. 

This replacement will feature modern equipment, resulting in less downtime for maintenance and improved mechanical resilience in hot weather – both of which will reduce disruptions for customers.

Alternative travel options during construction

Customers who require elevator access at Patterson Station can use the following alternative routes and plan for an additional 30 minutes of travel time:

• From Patterson Station: Travel east along the BC Parkway to Central Boulevard and Willingdon Avenue, and catch buses #19, #31, #49, #116, or #130 to Metrotown Station.

• By bus: Take the #19 bus on Kingsway to the Metrotown Station bus loop.

• By walking or rolling: Travel east along the BC Parkway to the accessible entrance at Metrotown Station.

• For #129 bus customers: Transfer to the Millennium Line at Gilmore Station.

Modernizing elevators across the Expo Line 

These improvements are being made as part of the Expo Line Elevator Replacement Program, which will modernize 21 original elevators across 15 stations. Nine new Expo Line elevators are already in operation throughout the SkyTrain network.

Plan ahead and stay informed

Signage will be installed at Patterson Station to notify customers of the temporary elevator closure and alternate travel options. Customers are encouraged to subscribe to the Station Access Alerts and Transit Alerts pages for the latest information, including how their trip could be impacted. Follow @TransLink on X for accessibility impacts and use the Transit app for real-time wayfinding and trip planning.

For those with outstanding questions, our Customer Information team is available to clarify trip details in advance at 604.953.3333.

More information:
Expo Line Elevator Replacement Program

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