As TransLink embarks on a multitude of projects upgrading the SkyTrain system, it is advising of service adjustments on the Expo Line to accommodate work starting next month.
Commuters who travel on the Expo Line between Production Way-University, Lougheed Town Centre and Braid stations will see a reduction in service starting on Sunday, February 25th, 2024. Instead of the normal six minute headway, trains will run every 12 minutes; some will terminate their run early at Braid station. This altered schedule is expected continue into early 2026.
TransLink is asking passengers to plan for extra time, check train destination signs, listen to announcements, and monitor the displays on station platforms. Seek out a SkyTrain attendant, reach out to @translink on Twitter/X or call TransLink at 604-953-3333 if further assistance is needed.
Service on the Millennium and Canada Lines are not impacted by this work.
To meet capacity for extensions to the Expo and Millennium Lines, TransLink has ordered 205 new Mark V trainsets. A former industrial property east of North Road in Coquitlam is being converted into a new maintenance and storage facility to support this extra equipment. Dubbed OMC4 (Operations and Maintenance Centre), crews will need to construct the guideways, mount rails, install switches and other critical components to connect the yard with the Expo Line. The reduction in service allows workers to remain safe while they complete this important project to support Metro Vancouver’s rapid transit system.
The first Mark V vehicles have arrived at OMC2 in Burnaby where they will undergo testing before accepting their first passengers. The final trains are expected by 2027, which will see the retirement of the original 150 Mark I trains from the mid-1980’s.
Correction
TransLink has revised the start date to Sunday, February 25th, 2024 from Saturday, February 10th, 2024.
Source: TransLink press release
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