We’ve been doing some upgrades to our SkyTrain fibre optic network of late.

Why replace these fibre optic cables? Well, new fibre optic cables will provide a more efficient communications network across the entire SkyTrain system, keeping it safe and reliable for passengers.

As Fred Cummings, president of British Columbia Rapid Transit Company, which operates the SkyTrain Expo and Millennium lines puts it,

“[Fibre optics run the communications among staff, operate ticketing and security systems, and — perhaps most important — are the vital lifeline between our trains and the control centre, helping maintain the trains’ on-time reliability of greater than 95 per cent”. So, keeping them in good working order and serving the entire SkyTrain network, including the forthcoming Evergreen Line, is a good idea.

This latest upgrade will require that we single-track (when SkyTrains travel on the same track in alternating directions) between Lougheed town Centre and Sapperton Stations this Sunday from start of service until approximately 2 pm. Passengers may have to switch trains at Braid Station and are being encouraged to allow for up to five minutes extra travel time. SkyTrain staff will be on hand to assist passengers during the single-tracking. The Expo Line (Waterfront to King George Stations) will operate normally.

We’ll try our best to keep you all informed of future delays due to fibre optic upgrades moving forward. For day of updates on Sunday’s and future upgrades, you’ll want to follow our Twitter handle @TransLink.