TransLink unveils first glimpse of Mark V SkyTrain cars

TransLink yesterday released the first photos and videos of the new Mark V SkyTrain cars, which have entered the testing phase at Alstom’s plant in Kingston, Ontario.

Functional performance testing at the Alstom facility will include the brakes, power systems, doors and car connectivity, as well as propulsion and automatic running on rails to simulate real-life operations, TransLink officials said in a press release.

A total of 205 new cars eventually will replace the original Mark I models, which are slated for retirement by the end of 2027. The Mark V design features consist of five-car sets, all internally open-ended with walk-through carriages in the same style as the Mark III trains.

The purchase of the SkyTrain cars is part of the Expo Millennium Line upgrade program. The program is funded with an investment of CA$1.47 billion through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure program with contributions from TransLink and the governments of Canada and British Columbia.