First refurbished SkyTrain vehicle enters service in Vancouver

Last week, TransLink put into service the first of its refurbished 114 Mark I SkyTrain vehicles, a project that is partly funded by Canada's gas tax.

The vehicles that are being refurbished have been in service since 1986 and have reached the end of their design life of 25 years, TransLink officials said in a press release.

The agency is upgrading the vehicles' electrical system, expanding the interior passenger capacity, refurbishing passenger doors, replacing interior amenities and repainting the vehicles exterior. The work is expected to extend each vehicle's lifespan by 15 years to a total of 40 years in operation, TransLink officials said, adding that all SkyTrain vehicles will be fully revamped by December 2016.

The project will cost $37.9 million (in Canadian dollars), with $28.5 million coming from the federal Gas Tax Fund and the balance through TransLink's capital budget.

"This investment will keep residents and visitors moving, contribute to productivity and reduce the amount of greenhouse gas emissions emitted across the greater Vancouver area," said Minister of National Revenue Kerry-Lynne Findlay.