Canada and TransLink invest in proactive maintenance of Metro Vancouver’s SkyTrain

BURNABY — A joint investment of over $34.9 million made by Canada and TransLink will support a rail maintenance project for the SkyTrain.

This investment will enable the replacement of running rail and rail pads for TransLink’s Expo SkyTrain line over the next four years. Between 2023 and 2027, an estimated 20.2 kilometres of running rail and an estimated 24,000 rail pads will be replaced.

“The SkyTrain rails being replaced have been around for nearly forty years, with more than two million trains that have run over them in that time frame. I’m pleased that the running rails are getting replaced to keep our infrastructure in good condition and to keep SkyTrain reliable for the people that depend on it every day,” said Brad West, Chair of the Mayors’ Council on Regional Transportation and Mayor of Port Coquitlam.

Annually, this line sees an average of approximately 40 million kilometres of vehicular travel. Replacing the running rail and rail pads of the existing SkyTrain line will optimize TransLink’s service. It will also reduce noise levels for communities located near the Expo line. The Skytrain Running Rail Replacement Project is part of TransLink’s 2018 Investment Plan, of which the Government of British Columbia funded 40 per cent of total capital costs.

“Public transit investments like this helps people in the region by providing safe, reliable, and comfortable transit options that connect them to their families, job opportunities, and the natural beauty of the area,” said Dan Coulter, Minister of State for Infrastructure and Transit. “As the population of Metro Vancouver continues to grow, it’s essential that all levels of government work collaboratively to ensure the region’s public transit system remains resilient. The Province will continue to improve the transportation network in Metro Vancouver with investments like this rail maintenance project.”