TransLink has unveiled its new Mark V SkyTrain cars, which have entered their testing phase at an Alstom facility in Kingston, Ontario.
Functional performance testing at the Alstom facility will include testing the brakes, power systems, doors and car connectivity, as well as propulsion and automatic running on rails to simulate real-life operations.
The 205 new cars are designed to eventually replace the original Mark I models, which are slated for retirement by the end of 2027.
The Mark V 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 assist people who have hearing loss by flashing when doors close, fault warnings are issued or when emergency brakes are deployed. The Mark V trains will operate with door chimes and on-train announcements to assist customers who are visually impaired.
“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,” said Michael Keroulle, president of the Americas region at Alstom.
The purchase of these SkyTrain cars is part of the Expo Millennium Line Upgrade Program. The program is funded with an investment of C$1.47 billion (US$1 billion) through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program with contributions from the government of Canada, government of British Columbia and 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,” said Kevin Quinn, CEO, TransLink.
