Commencement of Hitachi Rail's Communication-Based Train Control (CBTC) system on Vancouver's SkyTrain transportation network

Commencement of Hitachi Rail's Communication-Based Train Control (CBTC) system on Vancouver's SkyTrain transportation network

New Mark V Trains Mark a Milestone in SkyTrain Network's Expansion and Modernization

Metro Vancouver's SkyTrain network has taken a significant step forward with the deployment of Hitachi Rail's new Mark V trains. This development is a crucial element in realizing Metro Vancouver’s 10-Year Transportation Vision, enabling the SkyTrain network to grow in size and service quality while maintaining its leadership as one of the world's pioneering driverless rapid transit systems.

The new Mark V trains are equipped with Hitachi Rail's SelTrac™ Communications-Based Train Control (CBTC) technology, which allows trains to communicate with the existing signaling system. This technology provides real-time information on train locations, enabling safer, more efficient driverless operation and helping to seamlessly integrate the new fleet into the existing one.

The Mark V trains are longer, with five cars and space for 672 passengers, featuring wider aisles, multi-use areas, and modern passenger amenities. They are designed to handle growth, with a 25% increase in passenger capacity over previous models. This increased capacity is essential as the SkyTrain network expands, targeting improved accessibility and transit coverage for a growing population.

The system expansion includes the Broadway Subway and Surrey Langley SkyTrain projects. These projects will be equipped with Hitachi Rail's SelTrac™ CBTC technology, just like the first Mark V train that has been deployed on the Expo and Millennium line. The expansion represents a 28 percent increase in the length of the SkyTrain network.

Ziad Rizk, managing director of urban rail signaling at Hitachi Rail, stated that the partnership is a testament to their onboard technology developed in Canada. The collaboration among TransLink, Hitachi Rail, and their partners enhances the passenger experience across one of Canada’s busiest transit networks.

The deployment of the Mark V trains contributes directly to Metro Vancouver’s 10-Year Transportation Vision by supporting a major expansion of the transit network. This expansion enables increased service frequency and supports future extensions, accommodating projected ridership growth (20% to 50% increases expected on key lines). The introduction of these trains aligns with goals for a more environmentally friendly and dependable transit system suitable for future urban demands.

In summary, the deployment of the new Mark V trains is a significant milestone in the expansion and modernization of Metro Vancouver’s SkyTrain network. It marks the next significant stride in the partnership that began in 1986 with the introduction of SkyTrain, the world's first driverless train system. The technology upgrade, increased capacity, and network expansion underpin the plans for improved accessibility and transit coverage for a growing population, making the SkyTrain network a leader in driverless rapid transit systems.

1. The SkyTrain network's partnership with Hitachi Rail, as demonstrated by the deployment of the new Mark V trains, will contribute to the finance sector by ensuring a more efficient use of resources, as the advanced technology helps to seamlessly integrate the new fleet into the existing one for a smoother transportation experience.
2. The integration of Hitachi Rail's SelTrac™ CBTC technology in the Broadway Subway and Surrey Langley SkyTrain projects, similar to that in the Mark V trains, will revolutionize the transportation industry, enabling safer and more efficient driverless operation in these expanding sectors of the network.
3. With increased capacity and the integration of advanced technology such as the SelTrac™ CBTC system, the new Mark V trains will play a pivotal role in the finance and transportation sectors, ensuring that the SkyTrain network remains a world-leading driverless rapid transit system while meeting the growing transportation needs of the population.

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