The Expo Line is receiving a $35-million upgrade. It is the oldest track in Vancouver’s Skytrain system, initially constructed for the 1986 Vancouver Expo. The update is funded half by the federal government, and half by TransLink.
The purpose of the upgrade is to replace the running pads and reduce the noise pollution for residents in the area. They will also “ensure the ongoing safety and reliability of the lines,” said fisheries and oceans minister, Joyce Murray, at a press event on May 12.
The update comes just two days after a letter to the editor published in the Burnaby Now newspaper by a concerned resident who described the noise that comes from the Skytrain as “unbearable.” The letter was then posted on the r/Vancouver subreddit, which resulted in over 150 comments from Vancouverites agreeing with it. Many were calling for action from TransLink to reduce noise pollution. One user commented: “My Apple Watch constantly gives me noise notifications when riding the older [ . . . ] trains, even with noise-cancelling headphones. The highest was 108 dB between 22nd Street and Edmonds station.”
In 2018, TranksLink compiled a report on Skytrain noise, offering solutions such as replacing the rail with harder steel and improving rail grinding techniques. Replacing the 20.2 km requires approximately 24,000 rail pads.
TransLink reported, “When the program is fully implemented, the Expo Line will be able to move 17,500 passengers per hour per direction,” for a total of 35,000 passengers. This is in comparison to the 25,000 passengers the Expo Line moves per hour presently. The line update will move 300% more passengers when the project is completed.
TransLink CEO Kevin Quinn told reporters at the press event on May 12 that rail replacement is already underway between the Commercial-Broadway and Nanaimo stations. The whole line will be completed in three other phases: Royal Oak to Edmonds station, Edmonds station to 22nd Street station, and Joyce-Collingwood station to Patterson station.
The project will occur over the next four years and is to be completed by 2027.
