TransLink CEO Kevin Desmond recently announced that changes to how customers ride the SkyTrain network will come into effect on October 22 as part of a testing program to get ready for the opening of the Evergreen Extension.
“We continue to get ready for the opening of the Evergreen Extension and this is another milestone to celebrate,” said TransLink CEO Kevin Desmond. “We are focused on helping our customers make a smooth transition to the new operating pattern. By doing this well in advance of opening the Evergreen Extension we are giving our customers a chance to adjust and learn how the changes may affect how they travel on our system.”
Here are the key changes coming to the Expo and Millennium lines:
- The Expo Line will have two branches. One will travel between Waterfront in downtown Vancouver and King George Station in Surrey. A second will travel between Waterfront and Production Way-University in Burnaby.
- The Millennium Line will no longer travel to Waterfront Station. Instead, it will travel east-west from VCC-Clark station in Vancouver to Lougheed Town Centre in Burnaby.
- Customers can transfer between Expo and Millennium lines at Commercial-Broadway, Lougheed Station or Production Way-University.
- Customers transferring between the Expo and Millennium Line at Production Way–University can hop off one train and onto another on the same platform – no stairs, escalators or elevators.
- Once the Evergreen Extension opens, the Millennium Line will operate between VCC-Clark and Lafarge Lake – Douglas stations. Customers will have a one-seat ride between Lafarge Lake – Douglas and VCC-Clark – no transfer required.
Customers can now visit the Trip Planner to see how the changes to the SkyTrain network may affect their travel plans October 22 and beyond. Changes to the bus network will be shared closer to opening day; and, information for customers will be available well in advance of them coming into effect.
“The Government of British Columbia looks forward to the opening of the Evergreen Extension in late 2016,” said Peter Fassbender, minister of community, sport and cultural development and minister responsible for TransLink. “It will provide another convenient travel option and support the growth of livable communities so that residents can continue to live, work and raise their family in the region.”
