The first new Canada Line train arrives and new escalator opens!
The first new Canada Line train arrives and new escalator opens!
Exciting things are happening for SkyTrain’s Canada Line!
We’re adding 24 SkyTrain cars, or 12 trains, so we can increase Canada Line service by 30 per cent for our customers. We’re also installing new escalators at Waterfront, Vancouver City Centre and Yaletown–Roundhouse stations to help with increased customer demand and passenger flow throughout the stations.
The first new two-car train was recently delivered to Canada Line’s Operations and Maintenance Centre, near Bridgeport Station. Before these cars can enter service, they have to go through a robust testing and commissioning regime.
Over at Yaletown–Roundhouse Station, the a new “up” escalator is now open, carrying passengers between the concourse and the train levels! Work at Waterfront Station on a new “down” escalator and a new “up” escalator at Vancouver City Centre Station are also underway and on pace for opening this fall.
The new escalator at Yaletown-Roundhouse Station on the Canada Line is now open (I use this station everyday). I didn't realize both are up escalators, much-needed to clear the platform quickly. #TransLink #SkyTrain #Vancouver @DailyHiveVan pic.twitter.com/nJaAoaZzrd
— Kenneth Chan (@iamkennethchan) July 25, 2019
Once these upgrades are complete and the new trains are in service, passenger flow will be faster, more convenient and there’ll be an increase in train frequency to help customers get to where they need to go that much quicker.
Why have two escalators going up from the trains to concourse. Why not one in each direction?
Because most people can walk down stairs easily (or take the elevator), while people going up often want the help of an escalator. It makes sense for a deep-underground station like Yaletown-Roundhouse.