December 16, 2016
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TransLink Opens Evergreen Extension

TransLink in Vancouver, BC, is now operating one of the longest fully automated and driverless rapid transit systems in the world—SkyTrain, with 79.6 km (about 50 miles) of track serving 53 stations—with the Dec. 2 opening of the Evergreen Extension of the Millennium Line, comprising six new SkyTrain stations and 11 km (about 6 miles) of new track.

TransLink Chief Executive Officer Kevin Desmond called the extension opening “a significant milestone for our customers.” He added, “The faster and more frequent service we can now offer provides more transportation choices and will help reduce road congestion and foster economic growth.”

British Columbia Premier Christy Clark and other dignitaries participated in opening ceremonies, which included the inaugural ride on the route and celebrations at stations throughout the day.

Funding for the $1.431 billion (Cdn.) project came from the governments of Canada and British Columbia and TransLink, which is responsible for operating the extension. The line came in between $70 million and $85 million under budget.

Construction of the extension, its stations and public plazas created an estimated 8,000 direct and indirect jobs. The extension will carry 70,000 people per day by 2021, reducing ­traffic congestion in three ­rapidly growing cities.

The extension runs fully separated from traffic with bus connections at each station and parking at three stations. It connects to the existing SkyTrain system, regional bus network and TransLink’s West Coast Express commuter rail.

The extension is the seventh on the SkyTrain network since TransLink opened the original Expo Line in 1985, in advance of Expo 86 in Vancouver. At the time, according to the agency, it was the only driverless public transit ­system in the world.

Opening day of TransLink’s Evergreen Extension, part of one of the longest fully automated and driverless rapid transit systems in the world.

Photo courtesy of Thales

 
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