When TransLink unveiled the next generation of trains for the Expo and Millennium Lines back in 2021, a mock-up was delivered to the transit agency to garner feedback. Now, an actual Mark V SkyTrain is riding the rails at an Alstom facility outside of Kingston, Ontario.

A five-car consist is undergoing evaluation — checking the brakes, power collection, propulsion, doors, and computer control systems to ensure all are functional and meet design requirements. Once everything’s been ironed out, production and assembly is expected to ramp up.

Similar in appearance of the Mark III vehicles, the Mark V models feature the same walk-through gangways, large picture windows, and same style of seating. As the longest trains in the fleet, they will have enhanced digital signage, extra space for bikes and luggage, leaning pads for standing passengers, and additional lights for passengers with hearing impairments and audible announcements.

An order of 205 Mark V cars was placed to cover the retirement of all 150 Mark I trainsets, many of which are nearing 40 years in service, by 2027. The $1.47 billion CAD cost is covered as part of the Expo Millennium Line Upgrade Program, with funds from the federal and provincial governments, as well as TransLink.

Keen-eyed railfans will quickly notice the vehicle numbering system differs from those on in-service cars, and that TransLink has skipped over the Mark IV model. That was intentional, supposedly reserving the fourth designation for planned upgrades to selected Mark III cars according to Daily Hive.

Source: TransLink press release

© TransLink

 

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