TransLink received about 13,500 responses from a survey conducted earlier this year to receive feedback on how it can improve passenger comfort as it prepares to procure more than 200 new SkyTrain cars.
Responses to the survey include several changes to the interior layout:
While forward seating was the most preferred option, one-third of respondents would like some perimeter side seating.
Nearly 60 percent support doubling flex space from two spaces per train to four.
Nearly 90 percent favor leaning rails in flex spaces.
Two-thirds support bike racks in flex areas.
The request for proposals for the design and delivery of the vehicles will close at the end of the year. Bidders are required to consider these preferences while still maximizing overall seating capacity when creating their designs. New cars will be used to replace aging Mark I cars and support fleet expansion. The first new train is expected to arrive in 2023.
The full summary report can be found here.
