Thales and TransLink confirm two new SkyTrain projects to better serve Metro Vancouver

• Thales was awarded by TransLink two new contracts under the Expo and Millennium Line Upgrade Program to enable a 22 km expansion of the fully automated Metro Vancouver SkyTrain system, with 41 new trains expected to be in service by end of 2027.
• Thales will provide its SelTrac™ Communications-Based Train Control (CBTC) technology to deliver a new Operations Control Centre and a fully automated depot named Operations and Maintenance Centre 4.
• For almost 40 years, Thales has delivered state-of-the-art train control technology for the SkyTrain system. These new projects will directly support TransLink’s 2050 Vision to provide convenient, reliable, affordable, safe and comfortable, and carbon-free transit for Metro Vancouver. The system had over 114 million boardings in 2019.
• The SkyTrain has better on-time performance than the metros in most major cities in North America; the SkyTrain is also environmentally friendly - TransLink customers save 1.3 million kgs of GHGs by choosing transit over driving a car each day.

TransLink has awarded two contracts to Thales for the provision of train control technology for their new Operations Control Centre and a new fully automated depot, Operations Maintenance Centre 4. These two new facilities are key components of the Expo and Millennium Line Upgrade Program, necessary to support SkyTrain system expansions to 2045 and beyond to better serve Metro Vancouver passengers. The system will be expanded by 22 km, from 80km to 106 km by 2028, with 41 new trains expected to be in service by the end of 2027.

These two new contracts represent two new key milestones in the almost 40-year partnership between Thales and TransLink covering the entire history of the Metro Vancouver SkyTrain. Thales’ state-of-the-art train control technology will support TransLink’s 2050 Vision to provide convenient, reliable, affordable, safe and comfortable, and carbon-free transit for Metro Vancouver. The system had over 114 million boardings in 2019.

According to TransLink, in 2018 the Expo Line and Millennium Lines saw an on-time performance (OTP) of 96.38% — the highest performance level on record for SkyTrain and higher than the performance level of the metros in most major cities in North America. The SkyTrain is environmentally friendly – according to TransLink, its customers collectively save 1.3 million kgs of GHGs by choosing transit over driving a gasoline car each day.

“We are building on an over 35-year partnership with TransLink as we support their vision for the future of transit in Metro Vancouver. The provision of our SelTrac™ technology to these two new facilities represents the next page in our shared history with TransLink.” Alcino De Sousa, VP & Managing Director, Thales Urban Rail Signalling

The new Operations Control Centre (OCC2) includes a Control Room and the capacity for SkyTrain expansions into the future. Thales will provide the Automatic Train Control (ATC) elements for the new Operations Control Centre (OCC2), which will feature the latest in train control, network, and cybersecurity technology. Thales will be working with local partners and suppliers to deliver this project successfully.

To keep up with passenger ridership increases, the SkyTrain system expansions have driven a corresponding need for more trains, and, in turn, increased train storage and maintenance. Additional capacity will be available in the new Operations Maintenance Centre (OMC4). Thales delivered OMC1, the first fully-automated train storage yard (depot) in the world in 1986. OMC4 is a fully automated depot, allowing quick deployment of trains into service. This approach is both cost-effective and staffing effective, providing the best value for Metro Vancouver citizens. OMC4 will feature storage for 145 cars (29 trains), a vehicle interior cleaning and inspection facility, a train wash track, and maintenance shops.