New real-time next train signs, speakers, and CCTV coming to 33 SkyTrain stations

Nov 28 2018, 7:35 am

The installation process to replace and add hundreds of electronic signs on SkyTrain’s Expo Line and Millennium Line has begun, and it is just one of a number of passenger communication improvement projects for the train system.

TransLink formally announced today that 33 stations on the mainline train system will receive 140 new real-time ‘next train’ electronic signs on platforms replacing the existing 1980s-era red signs.

While the existing red signs only display a single line of text, the new signs will offer the arrival times of the next three trains, current time, and rider information messaging.

These multicoloured text signs are a significantly improved version of the electronic signs on the Canada Line and the newer Millennium Line Evergreen Extension.

The signs will be installed over the next 18 months, beginning with Edmonds Station and Lougheed Town Centre Station.

“This is a part of our plan to improve the customer experience,” said TransLink CEO Kevin Desmond in a statement. “We’ve been listening to our customers and we know they rely on us to receive accurate and timely information.”

Old electronic signs on the platforms of the Expo Line and Millennium Line

Granville Station SkyTrain Expo Line

SkyTrain Expo Line’s Granville Station platform. (Kenneth Chan / Daily Hive)

Newer electronic signs on the platforms of the Canada Line and Evergreen Extension

Canada Line YVR Airport Station

Canada Line’s YVR Airport Station platform signs. (Oran Viriyincy / Flickr)

New electronic signs coming to the Expo Line and Millennium Line platforms

SkyTrain electronic signs

New real-time next train countdown signs at Expo Line and Millennium Line platforms. (TransLink)

SkyTrain electronic signs

New real-time next train countdown signs at Expo Line and Millennium Line platforms. (TransLink)

Additionally, the public transit authority will be installing new electronic signs outside the SkyTrain station entrances to provide riders with real-time next train information and status updates in the event of a service disruption. A total of 140 of these electronic signs will be installed.

Similar entrance electronic signs were installed at the Evergreen Extension stations.

SkyTrain electronic signs

New electronic signage at the entrance of Expo Line and Millennium Line stations, before the fare gates. (TransLink)

SkyTrain electronic signs

New electronic signage at the entrance of Expo Line and Millennium Line stations, before the fare gates. (TransLink)

SkyTrain electronic signs

New electronic signage at the entrance of Expo Line and Millennium Line stations, before the fare gates. (TransLink)

SkyTrain sign

Real-time electronic message boards in the station concourse areas of SkyTrain’s Millennium Line Evergreen Extension. (Kenneth Chan / Daily Hive)

Other passenger communications systems upgrades coming to these stations include a thousand new speakers along the Millennium Line and 320 speakers in stations and at designated entrances. The aging speakers on the Expo Line will also be enhanced.

And to reduce the delays that result from a platform intrusion alarm being triggered, TransLink is installing 265 guideway cameras to cut down the response times to intrusion alarms.

As well, 1,200 CCTV platform cameras will be installed to improve safety and security on the train system.

These upgrades are being funded by multiple parties; the federal government is covering 50% of the cost, the provincial government is covering 33%, and TransLink is covering the remaining 17%.

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