By Elke Porter | WBN News Vancouver | July 15, 2025
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VANCOUVER, BC – A new era for SkyTrain begins today, as the new Mark V model officially enters service on the Expo Line. This will be the first of 47 new trains that will bring more space, comfort, and modern design to customers across Metro Vancouver.

The first Mark V trainset officially entered service on July 10, 2025, marking a significant milestone in the modernization of Vancouver's rapid transit system. Originally purchased in December 2020, this represents TransLink's largest-ever order of SkyTrain cars. The iconic blue livery and unique five-car length provide 25% more capacity than current trains.

The Mark V proudly represents an all-Canadian collaboration. Built by French manufacturer Alstom in La Pocatière, Quebec, these trains are tested in Kingston, Ontario, before making a remarkable 4,600-kilometre cross-country trek to Metro Vancouver on flatbed trucks via the Trans-Canada Highway. A total of 235 Mark V cars (47 trains) will be delivered by 2029 to serve both the Expo and Millennium Lines.

The timing of this rollout is particularly significant as Vancouver prepares to host the FIFA World Cup 2026. Canada will host 13 matches, in Toronto and Vancouver, bringing thousands of international visitors to the city. The arrival of the Mark V strengthens one of the essential foundations of our visitor economy—modern, reliable, and accessible transit.

The new trains feature enhanced accessibility, improved energy efficiency, and modern amenities including wider aisles, spacious multi-use areas for bikes and mobility devices, and a mix of forward-facing and side seating. A unique feature is striking Indigenous artwork decorating the interior windscreens, created by acclaimed artists from the Katzie, Kwantlen, Musqueam, and Squamish Nations.

This investment comes at a crucial time, as part of TransLink's broader SkyTrain Expansion Program. This series of infrastructure investments will prepare the network for the province-built Broadway Subway Project (Millennium Line Extension) and the Surrey Langley SkyTrain (Expo Line Extension). The program includes upgrades to maintenance facilities, stations, control centres, and system infrastructure to handle an expanded network and newer trains.

By 2029, TransLink expects to serve about 20% more customers on the Expo Line and 50% more on the Millennium Line during peak hours. The Mark V fleet will be essential in meeting this growing demand while keeping the system safe, reliable, and comfortable for current and future customers.

As the first Mark V glides along the Expo Line, it signals not just an upgrade in technology, but Vancouver's commitment to world-class public transit that will serve residents and visitors for decades to come.

Connect with Elke at Westcoast German Media or on LinkedIn: Elke Porter or contact her on WhatsApp:  +1 604 828 8788. Public Relations. Communications. Education.

TAGS:

  • #Mark V SkyTrain
  • #Vancouver Transit
  • #SkyTrain Expansion
  • #TransLink
  • #FIFA 2026 Ready
  • #Metro Vancouver
  • #WBN News Vancouver
  • #Elke Porter
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