Langley backs plan to repurpose retired SkyTrain car as landmark
City council unanimously approves proposal to preserve Mark I train as public space centrepiece ahead of Surrey-Langley extension opening.
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Langley City Council has unanimously endorsed a plan to turn one of TransLink's retiring Mark I SkyTrain cars into a public landmark in downtown Langley.
The transit authority is retiring all 150 original Mark I cars — the system's fleet from the 1980s and early 1990s — and replacing them with the new Mark V generation. At the current pace, all Mark I cars could be retired by the end of 2027 or 2028.
Most will likely be scrapped, though some have already found new lives — one became Canada's first standing subway film production set. TransLink is offering municipalities, businesses, and community groups the chance to acquire and repurpose the remaining vehicles at their own cost.
The motion, put forward by councillor Rosemary Wallace on behalf of the city's Arts, Recreation, Culture, and Heritage Committee, is an endorsement in principle. It gives city staff permission to gather more information, identify potential partners and donors, and develop fundraising opportunities before any car acquisition proceeds.
The idea originated with committee member Andrew Palmer, who first proposed preserving a retired car as both a public art installation and community gathering place when TransLink first announced the opportunity a few years ago.
While a final location hasn't been determined, the committee initially identified Innes Corner Plaza as the preferred site, though councillor Mike Solyom suggested the area around the future Langley City Centre Station — home to the SkyTrain terminus, a public plaza, and a major bus exchange.
When the Surrey-Langley SkyTrain extension reaches completion in late 2029, the new Langley City Centre Station will become the Expo Line's easternmost terminus.