Hundreds of people packed onto the Expo Line platform at Waterfront Station on Thursday to be among the first to ride the new Mark V SkyTrain cars.
They will now go into system-wide service as TransLink begins phasing out older models, such as the Mark 1, which have been in operation since the SkyTrain first opened in 1986.
By the time festivities were scheduled to begin, a long lineup of people had formed at the west end of the platform, snaking up the stairs into the adjoining Waterfront Centre.
The excitement was palpable.
The first train rolled in shortly after 11 a.m., carrying a number of TransLink VIPs and government officials. Among them were TransLink CEO Kevin Quinn and federal Housing and Infrastructure Minister Gregor Robertson.
After patiently waiting for VIPs to take more photos, members of the public were finally allowed on to the train. One by one, they filed in, getting their first glimpse at the new and updated cars.
There are a number of differences between the Mark V cars and their predecessors. Perhaps most noticeable are additional longitudinal seating and the return of the coveted "driver's seat," which was scrapped on the Mark IIIs. Above the doors are LED route maps which have the ability to zoom in as the train moves further down the line.
The new cars also offer better accessibility for cyclists, parents, tourists, and those in wheelchairs, with straps now available to hold bikes in place.
Aesthetically, the Mark Vs look very similar to the earlier models, still sporting the classic purple, yellow, and grey colour scheme. Where one can spot a subtle but tasteful change is on the glass panels perpendicular to the doors, which are now home to Indigenous art.
"Changing seat layouts can really do wonders for improving capacity," a local transit enthusiast told the Western Standard, pointing out that the new design — along with the ability to connect five cars instead of the traditional four — will allow around 140 more people to ride on each train.
According to TransLink, a total of 235 cars will be delivered to Vancouver by 2029 to serve both the Expo and Millennium Lines, as well as the upcoming Broadway and Langley extensions. The Mark Vs have been described as an "all-Canadian collaboration," with TransLink noting that they were manufactured by Alstom in La Pocatière, Quebec, tested in Kingston, Ontario, then transported via flatbed 4,600 kilometres down Highway 1 to their final destination.
"The SkyTrain is more than just transportation — it's part of the identity of Metro Vancouver," Quinn said. "The Mark V trains represent a bold new chapter, with more space, improved accessibility, and cutting-edge features that will enhance every ride. These trains are designed to meet the needs of a growing region and I’m excited to see them deliver a better experience for every customer."