Vintage video shows how the SkyTrain was built back in the 1980s

Ever want to know how the SkyTrain was built? Look no further than Going to Town, an amazing archive film, which takes you back to 1980s Vancouver.

The 30-minute documentary, shot by JEM Productions for BC Transit in 1985, lovingly details the construction of the Expo/Millennium line.

According to a vintage post from TransLink’s Buzzer blog, the SkyTrain footage is just “the tip of the iceberg.”

“The video has some amazing shots of Metro Vancouver in the 1980s, of people boarding the line to reach their destinations, and a guest appearance from James ‘Quick’ Parker of the BC Lions,” write TransLink staff.

“Plus there’s a killer sax-filled soundtrack, and so many awesome fashions and haircuts that it brings tears to the eyes!”

Of course, during the video, no one refers to the SkyTrain at all, instead calling it the Vancouver Regional Rapid Transit Project.

It wasn’t until later in 1985 that the new name for the train was announced and the SkyTrain was truly born.

See also

• This map will tell you where every public transit bus in Metro Vancouver is
• New Pattullo Bridge replacement to be completed in 2023
• TransLink 2017 - Part 6: No going back, Surrey light rail can't become SkyTrain