TransLink studying whether platform screen doors can work on SkyTrain
The transit authority is examining newer door technologies after years of citing train incompatibility. Montreal's REM and Toronto's Ontario Line already have the safety barriers.
The day's top stories, food & events — every morning at 7. Unsubscribe anytime.
For the first time, TransLink is sharing details of an in-depth study into whether platform screen doors can be installed at SkyTrain stations—a safety measure that has prevented accidental deaths, suicides, and pushes onto tracks at transit systems worldwide.
Platform screen doors are automatic sliding glass barriers that open and close in sync with train doors, operating like elevator doors. Montreal's newly-built REM and Toronto's planned Ontario Line both include the technology. The systems are standard on airport people movers and metro networks across Asia, Europe, Australia, and Canada.
Historically, the biggest barrier on SkyTrain's Expo and Millennium lines has been the variety of trains operating on the network: Mark I, Mark II, Mark III, and Mark V models. The differences in door spacing between these trains significantly complicate installation. That obstacle is starting to shift. TransLink is replacing all 150 Mark I cars with Mark V trains, with the last Mark I cars expected to be retired in 2027 or 2028. The authority plans to retire all 108 Mark II cars in the 2030s. By later in the 2030s, the Expo and Millennium line fleets are expected to consist entirely of Mark III and Mark V trains—which have only minor differences in door spacing.
TransLink is now examining whether newer door technologies could overcome earlier challenges and work within the existing infrastructure. Beyond safety, the doors greatly improve service reliability by eliminating lengthy disruptions when major incidents occur, and reduce psychological trauma for staff, first responders, and witnesses.
No timeline has been given for when the study will be completed or when a decision on installation will be made.
When will TransLink complete its feasibility study?
What is the estimated cost of installing platform screen doors system-wide?
If the doors are approved, what is the expected timeline for installation?
We'll update this story as answers emerge.
The facts
What are platform screen doors?
Platform screen doors are automatic sliding glass barriers that open and close in sync with train doors, operating like elevator doors. They prevent accidental deaths, suicides, and pushes onto tracks.
Which Canadian transit systems already have platform screen doors?
Montreal's REM and Toronto's planned Ontario Line both include platform screen doors.
When will TransLink finish replacing SkyTrain's Mark I cars?
TransLink is replacing all 150 Mark I cars with Mark V trains, with the last Mark I cars expected to be retired in 2027 or 2028.
