The largest SkyTrain station upgrade in TransLink history opens to the public this Saturday, Feb. 2, in East Vancouver.
Part of TransLink’s Maintenance and Repair Program, the massive upgrade will improve the passenger experience on the SkyTrain. The transit authority chose Commercial-Broadway Station because it experiences a high volume of traffic daily. In fact, it is the second busiest station on the system, with a whopping 200,000 transit journeys each weekday.
“Tens of thousands of people rely on the Commercial-Broadway Station. These significant upgrades are part of our government’s commitment to invest in improvements that help people move around the region more easily,” commented Honourable Claire Trevena, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure.
Upgrades include:
- New platform for westbound Expo Line trains
- New walkway above Broadway, connecting new platform to Millennium Line
- An expanded entrance and concourse area for the Broadway stationhouse
- Two new elevators and four new up/down escalators
- A new B-Line shelter
- More customer amenities including a new bike parkade (capacity: 42 bikes), public art, and retail spaces
What’s more, starting Saturday, the station will allow passengers heading Westbound to downtown Vancouver to get on or off on either side of the SkyTrain car.
The Expo Line platforms opened for the first time in December, 1985 right before Expo 86. The Millennium Line platforms opened at Commercial-Broadway in August, 2002. The station saw 8 million passenger boardings in 2017.
“People who use Commercial-Broadway to get on or off SkyTrain or switch between the Expo and Millennium lines know this is one of the most congested spots in our entire transit system,” said TransLink CEO Kevin Desmond.
“These upgrades will help alleviate that pressure and improve their experience. The new pedestrian overpass and the new train platform will make it much easier for our customers to transfer between Millennium and Expo line trains, and the 99 B-Line.”
TransLink also to extend its gratitude to its senior government partners for making this project possible. In addition, the transit authority wants to thank customers and neighbours for their patience during construction.
Vancouver Is Awesome spoke to Chris Bryan, Senior Media Relations Advisor, TransLink who explained what the opening will include.
“We aren’t planning anything big for Saturday, except that the new additions will be available for public use, of course,” he commented. “There will be a small customer appreciation on Monday, however. We want to extend our thanks to the community. With that in mind, it won’t be a huge thing – but we are planning something for Monday.”
Total costs for the massive undertaking are approximately $81.0 million. The Government of Canada provided $9.4 million through the Building Canada Fund, the Government of British Columbia contributed $18.8 million, and the remaining $52.8 million was provided by TransLink.
