TransLink completes modernization of 1980s-era SkyTrain technology
TransLink completes modernization of 1980s-era SkyTrain technology
Brand new real-time information screens and speakers installed across SkyTrain system
TransLink has replaced aging speakers and signs on the SkyTrain system by installing 280 new customer information screens and over 1,400 new speakers at Expo and Millennium Line SkyTrain stations. These upgrades have modernized communication on the SkyTrain system and improved TransLink’s ability to communicate with customers. Expo and Millennium Line customers will notice:
Real-time digital screens
- Outdated signs have been replaced by new “next train screens” on platforms and station entrances to let customers know when their next train is expected to arrive.
- General information screens have been installed to simplify customer decision making with live service information and updates.
Better sound in stations and on trains
- New speakers on trains and at stations for customers to more clearly hear service alerts and notifications.
Improved safety and security at stations
- Over 1,200 new CCTV cameras installed along the Expo and Millennium Lines. These cameras can be monitored live by SkyTrain staff to modify service levels throughout the day and are a valuable resource for Transit Police investigations.
These upgrades have been ongoing since 2018 as part of our SkyTrain Customer Communications Upgrades Program, and is a major milestone to deliver enhanced customer experiences through the Customer Experience Action Plan.
This $79 million program is part of a larger $92.4 million Rapid Transit Systems Rehabilitation and Maintenance Project paid for under the Public Transit Infrastructure Fund (PTIF), which is funded by the Government of Canada (50 per cent), the Government of British Columbia (33%), and TransLink (17%).
Quotes:
The Honourable Carla Qualtrough, Member of Parliament for Delta, on behalf of the Honourable Catherine McKenna, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities
“With new speakers, screens, and security cameras, TransLink users will now be safer and better informed while commuting. I’m pleased that these improvements are funded in part by our federal government through the Rapid Transit Systems Rehabilitation and Maintenance Project. Canada’s infrastructure plan invests in thousands of projects, creates jobs across the country, and builds cleaner, more inclusive communities.”
George Heyman, BC Minister of Environment and Climate Change Strategy and the Minister responsible for TransLink
“SkyTrain users now have much better real-time travel information during their journeys. Modernizing TransLink’s customer communications is an important investment in both service and safety.”
Jonathan X. Coté, Mayors’ Council Chair
“Keeping transit an excellent alternative to driving by improving rider experiences is a critical part of the Mayors’ Vision. The signs and speakers on the Expo and Millennium Lines were outdated and replacing them is extremely important for SkyTrain customers. Retrofitting the communication tools at Expo and Millennium Line stations so riders can see and hear real-time information will help to make transit an even more attractive option for people returning to the system in the coming months and years.”
Gigi Chen-Kuo, Interim CEO, TransLink
“Communication and information is a vital part of a customer’s experience on transit and this program has modernized our SkyTrain communication technology. We’ve replaced the 1980’s style LED signs and aging speakers with state-of the art information screens and brand-new speakers all over the Expo and Millennium Lines. These upgrades have modernized our system and mean that our customers returning to transit will be welcomed back with much clearer communication technology.”
It took 2 years to replace all the speakers, TV screens and LED displays to see when will the next train arrive on the platform.
I just wondering where the old display goes? Should it go to the museum?
I love the new real-time screens. An observation, though:
I use Commerical-Broadway station Platforms 3 & 4 (Expo Line trains to/from Surrey). I tend to enter the station from the northern-most entrance (on Commercial Drive, nearest to N Grandview Hwy). The screen just outside this entrance only shows next arriving trains for the Millennium Line (Platforms 1 & 2), not the Expo Line (Platforms 3, 4 and 5).
I presume the assumption is that people using the north entrance will be using Platforms 1 & 2 because they’re closest, but it doesn’t help me (and I would bet many others who, like me, take the overhead walkway over to access Expo Line).
I’m not certain, but I assume this also applies to the other entrances:
• The display just outside the entrance on the NORTH side of Broadway (near Blenz Coffee and Shopper’s Drug Mart) probably only shows Platforms 1 & 2 because it used to the “Commercial Drive” entrance.
• The displays just outside the entrance on the SOUTH side of Broadway (near Safeway) and E 10th Ave on the far south end probably only show Platforms 3, 4, 5 (i.e.: Expo Line).
Suggestion: I think ALL the screens outside the station entrances should show “next train” for ALL Platforms 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5. (Is there a technical reason why this isn’t possible?)
Maybe it’s even possible to emphasize closest connections/platforms by listing them first? For example…
• Signs outside the North entrances could show:
Platform 1 – VCC Clark x min, x min, x min
Platform 2 – Lafarge Lake-Douglas x min, x min, x min
—
Platform 3 & 5 – Waterfront x min, x min, x min
Platform 4 – King George x min, x min, x min
Platform 4 – Production Way-University x min, x min, x min
• Signs outside the South entrances could show:
Platform 3 & 5 – Waterfront x min, x min, x min
Platform 4 – King George x min, x min, x min
Platform 4 – Production Way-University x min, x min, x min
—
Platform 1 – VCC Clark x min, x min, x min
Platform 2 – Lafarge Lake-Douglas x min, x min, x min
As of early March 2022, I see the screens just outside station entrances at Commercial Broadway now show next train arrivals for all 5 platforms. Awesome!
I just thought you’d like to know that these continuous improvements are very much appreciated.