NEW WESTMINSTER, British Columbia — The first set of next-generation railcars for the Vancouver-area SkyTrain system have begun testing in Ontario, transit agency TransLink has announced.
The 205 Mark V cars — to comprise 41 five-car trainsets are being manufactured by Alstom and are undergoing testing in Kingston, Ont. The fully articulated trainsets, being built under a $C723 million contract signed with what was then Bombardier Transportation in 2020, will be one car longer than current SkyTrain equipment, which has led to a C$78 million program to lengthen platforms at some stations, the website Daily Hive reports.
“This is an exciting and important step forward in launching the next generation of SkyTrain cars,” TransLink CEO Kevin Quinn said in a press release. “The Mark V will make SkyTrain better and more convenient for our customers, with added amenities for people using mobility devices, strollers, and bicycles.”
The articulated design allows for open-gangway connections, making movement between cars easier and more accessible for those with mobility issues. Other features highlighted by TransLink include more space for bikes and luggage; digital interior information displays; and strip indicator lights at doors to warn when doors close, fault warnings are issued, or emergency brakes are activated. The new trainsets will allow replacement of Mark I cars dating to SkyTrain’s opening in 1985, as well as providing the equipment needed for the Broadway Extension of SkyTrain’s Millennium Line, expected in 2026.
The Daily Hive reports the trainset being testing in Ontario is expected to arrive in British Columbia to begin further testing later this year, and could enter service next year. Delivery of the new equipment is expected to continue through 2027.
Do the new Vancouver cars still use the Linier Induction power concept, like
the original cars.??
Can these sets be linked together into a single longer train for peak traffic periods?
I think there might be a question of the length of the SkyTrain station platforms such that they might not be long enough to accommodate two 5-car trainsets together, at least in some of the downtown Skytrain stations, where the platforms aren’t very long.
I agree with Thomas Noyes’ detailed explanation.
Dr. Güntürk Üstün
In addition to the length of the platforms, there is also the operability of the the system as a whole. Due to the automation of the system, it would be easier to add extra trains at peak times rather than increasing their length. As it is, most trains run at a three to four minute interval at peak times.
Alstom the Great!
Dr. Güntürk Üstün
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.
Dr. Güntürk Üstün
Thank you Doctor. If you’re going to quote verbatim from other sources, perhaps you can reference them? In this case, the article on this topic in Progressive Railroading….