Canada and TransLink invest in traction power system upgrades across Metro Vancouver’s SkyTrain network
New Westminster, British Columbia, December 16, 2025 — Traction power equipment replacements are underway to maintain safe and reliable SkyTrain operations across Metro Vancouver, following a combined investment of more than $20.2 million from the federal government and TransLink.
The Expo and Millennium SkyTrain lines extend approximately 60 kilometres and include more than 35 stations. The operations of these lines are supported by a traction power network consisting of substations, electrical cabling, and power rails. As part of TransLink’s Traction Power System Replacement project, 11 substations have been identified as containing equipment that is over 30 years old and no longer within the recommended service life.
In this phase of the project, the electrical switchgear at four substations, Waterfront, Broadway, Nanaimo, and Joyce, will be replaced and a pad mounted transformer will be installed at Columbia Transfer, between Columbia Station and the Columbia Substation.
As this critical infrastructure ages, these upgrades are essential for addressing electrical safety issues, maintaining a state of good repair, and ensuring the continued and uninterrupted operation of the Expo and Millennium Lines. They will also support future service growth and fleet expansion across the SkyTrain network.