Thales has been chosen to provide its SelTrac communications-based train control (CBTC) technology to deliver a new operations control centre (OCC2) and a fully automated depot, named operations and maintenance centre four (OCM4) for the Metro Vancouver SkyTrain.
These facilities are a key part of TransLink’s Metro Vancouver SkyTrain expansion plans – specifically the Expo and Millennium Line upgrade project.
Work is underway to expand the SkyTrain system by 22 kilometres by 2028, taking it up to 106km in length.
To keep up with passenger increases, the SkyTrain expansions will require more trains and 41 new vehicles are scheduled to enter passenger service by the end of 2027.
This also equates to a need for additional train storage and maintenance. This will be provided by the fully automated OCM4, which will provide storage for 145 cars (29 trains), a vehicle interior cleaning and inspection facility, a train wash track and maintenance shops.
Thales has provided the SkyTrain system with train control technology for almost 40 years, delivering the OMC1 – the first fully-automated train storage yard (depot) in the world – back in 1986.
“We're building on a 35+ year partnership with TransLink as we support their vision for the future of transit in Metro Vancouver.
“The provision of our SelTrac technology to these two new facilities represents the next page in our shared history.”
