Can you spot what’s new on TransLink’s Mark V SkyTrain?
Can you spot what’s new on TransLink’s Mark V SkyTrain?
In November 2021, we teased out a sneak peek of TransLink’s new Mark V SkyTrain cars. Now they have entered the testing phase at a facility in Kingston, Ontario, looking fresh.
Functional performance testing at the Alstom facility includes testing the brakes, power systems, doors, car connectivity, as well as propulsion and automatic running on rails to simulate real-life operations.
The 205 new cars are designed to replace the original Mark I models, which are scheduled for retirement by the end of 2027.
The new Mark V SkyTrain design features consist of five-car sets, all internally open-ended with walk-through carriages in the same style as the Mark III trains. They have mostly forward-facing seating and include more space for bikes, luggage, and leaning pads. The new digital interior information displays will provide riders with improved onboard transit alerts. Strip indicator lights at the doors will help individuals with hearing loss by flashing when doors close, fault warnings are issued, or emergency brakes are deployed. The Mark V SkyTrain will utilize door chimes and on-train announcements to support customers with visual impairments.
The purchase of these SkyTrain cars is part of the Expo Millennium Line Upgrade Program. The program receives funding through an investment of $1.47 billion from the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program, with contributions from the Government of Canada, Government of B.C., and TransLink.
Quotes
The Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities
“We are thrilled about the Mark V, the new generation of SkyTrain cars. These modern trains are designed to provide an accessible and user-friendly transit experience for everyone, reflecting our strong commitment to improving public transportation. We are working closely with our partners at TransLink and the Government of BC to keep the SkyTrain system strong and up-to-date, adapting to the changing needs of our communities.”
The Honourable Terry Beech, Member of Parliament for Burnaby North – Seymour and Minister of Citizens’ Services
“The Mark V trains represent a significant milestone in TransLink’s Expo and Millennium Line Upgrade Program, delivering a more comfortable and efficient transit experience for all passengers. With their modern design, enhanced features, and improved accessibility, these trains mark a substantial advancement in the public transportation system and reflect our government and partners’ commitment to work together to meet the diverse needs of our ridership.”
The Honourable Rob Fleming, B.C. Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure
“Through investments in TransLink’s 2018 Investment Plan, the Province is supporting the acquisition of modern Mark V SkyTrain cars with updated features. These new cars are thoughtfully designed with spacious interiors to allow room for bikes and luggage and an improved onboard transit alert system to make the cars more inclusive for people of all ages and abilities. These next generation SkyTrain cars will provide a more comfortable and personalized transit experience.”
Brad West, Chair, Mayors’ Council on Regional Transportation
“The Mark V will play a vital role as we continue to work on expanding our SkyTrain network across the region. From the Broadway Subway to the Surrey Langley SkyTrain, we remain committed to improving public transit in Metro Vancouver.”
Kevin Quinn, CEO, TransLink
“This is an exciting and important step forward in launching the next generation of SkyTrain cars. The Mark V will make SkyTrain better and more convenient for our customers, with added amenities for people using mobility devices, strollers, and bicycles.”
Michael Keroulle, President of the Americas region at Alstom
“We appreciate our longstanding collaboration with TransLink and share their dedication to connecting communities via sustainable, reliable and inclusive mobility. The first train of the new fleet —designed, build and tested in Canada— is set to commence qualification testing on our upgraded test track at our Kingston, Ontario facility, bringing Vancouverites one step closer to riding the new Mark V trains.”
Why is there a MK3 Train in the background of the photos?
Dear Owen, those 2 railcars are mk1 cars, the longer one was an extensikn of a mk1 , built to test the improved propulsion/traction systems.
Regards Lol Gray.
How many seated and standees per 5 cars?
Not a fan of the all-blue livery on these Mark V cars, and I already miss the sweep livery as seen on the current Mark II (2009) and Mark III cars. I’d like to see the sweep livery return, as well as the yellow and blue SkyTrain swish, on the front and rear cars. And bring back the silver roof, please.
With that said, these new, longer cars will certainly be a much-needed addition and replacement for our growing and increasingly busy SkyTrain network. Looking forward to seeing these entering service soon!
This was TransLink Decision to make Mark V Still Fully Gray, a little one strip line of Yellow and the first time at the bottom of the train livery, they want Alstom to make the train at the bottom Blue.
I like the all-blue. Just wish it was all the same shade (dark blue) instead of the lighter shade on top. But that’s the trendy style, like the GO Train in Ontario (dark green/lime green). I like trains with one solid colour, like the yellow U-Bahn in Berlin …. classic. Answer to the question? You can walk from one end of the train to the other?
The sun will make it a lighter blue but lets waste money painting it two tones now
This is well needed. The testing didn’t mention extreme weather. Multiple day below zero temperatures or snowfall.
Why not go with 6 car trains on all the lines? Nobody should need to stand.
It’s all the same blue.
That’s a lot of blue on the livery lol & interesting that the numbering doesn’t start with 501
Frankly, a big announcement about new lines and extensions would be much preferred.
North Shore, UBC, SFU (Tram), Fraser Valley, Maple Ridge, Tsawwassen, and Horseshoe Bay Ferry Terminals.
You can let the populace argue about which order of priority until they are blue in the face but failure to grow the system is purely on Translink’s shoulders.
Translink’s motto should be;
“20 Years behind, 20 years ago, with no vision for future needs let alone the present”
The colours?
Great!
Awesome!
Will these trains cause less noise pollution compared to the current ones?
Will the decibels reduce?
Why are there mark II trains in the backround?
those are mark 1s, prob for scarborough line 3 (rip toronto line 3) as its being replaced by the ontario line in the future, or it may be test trains.