Pocket-sized vehicles: TransLink rolls out first-ever public transit trading cards
Calling all public transit superfans and collectors: TransLink is rolling out something fun, nostalgic, and totally new — its first-ever series of exclusive trading cards, celebrating the iconic vehicles and vessels that move Metro Vancouver.
To kick things off, TransLink will give away 800 free starter packs — each with three randomly selected cards — starting at 11 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 8, 2025, at the TransLink Customer Service Centre at Waterfront Station in downtown Vancouver.
The limited-edition collectible set includes five unique designs that pay tribute to highlights of TransLink’s fleet. From the historic to the futuristic, the cards feature:
- Mark I SkyTrain car — The original Expo Line train from 1985 (the rarest card of the set!). The Mark I fleet will be fully retired over the coming years by the new Mark V trains.
- Mark V SkyTrain car — The sleek next-generation train, with the first of 47 five-car Mark V trains recently entering service.
- West Coast Express locomotive — The powerful commuter rail workhorse (also rare).
- Burrard Chinook SeaBus — Showcasing Indigenous artwork.
- Nova LFS CNG bus — One of the region’s eco-friendlier options.
With only 15 copies of the ultra-rare Mark I SkyTrain card and 100 of the West Coast Express card available at this event, fans are encouraged to line up early.
The remaining three cards are more widely available, but quantities are still limited.
TransLink trading cards. (TransLink)
Miss the launch? No problem — TransLink plans to distribute more cards over the coming weeks at community events such as the PNE Fair and Car Free Days, as well as through random giveaways by frontline TransLink staff, social media contests, and TransLink’s monthly newsletter.
Only one card per person will be available at each event or giveaway, so collecting them all may take some dedication — and luck.
The colourful cards were designed in-house by TransLink’s creative team and are purely for fun.
It is important to note that these collectible cards do not function as Compass Cards or any sort of fare media.
As for future editions? TransLink says it may launch a second series down the road, but for now, these five are it — making them all the more special for those who manage to collect the full set.
As another fun initiative, TransLink also recently launched its own limited edition line of transit-themed craft beer, in partnership with a local brewery.
TransLink trading cards. (TransLink)