When you look at the SkyTrain tracks at night, be prepared to see something spooky: completely empty trains without a single passenger, moving through the darkness.
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While this sounds rather Halloween-related, it’s actually just part of TransLink’s overnight testing ahead of a major network expansion. All SkyTrain cars will be undergoing tests on sections of the Expo and Millennium lines, taking place outside of regular service hours.
Overnight Skytrain Testing
“Over the next five months, all types of SkyTrain cars will undergo overnight testing on sections of the Expo and Millennium lines,” reads a press release from TransLink. “Testing will take place outside regular service hours, with no customers aboard and no disruptions or reductions to regular SkyTrain service.”
This testing is part of a step toward the opening of TransLink’s new 40,000-square-foot Operations Control Centre in 2027. This centre aims to support major network expansions, such as the Broadway Subway Extension and the Dave Barrett (Surrey Langley) Extension.
Testing Locations + Times
The tests will begin on October 3, 2026 and will run for five months. As mentioned before, the test trains will operate on different sections of the Expo and Millennium lines during these overnight hours:
- Saturdays from 1:45 to 5:45 a.m.
- Sundays from 1:45 to 6:45 a.m.
- Mondays from 12:45 to 4:45 a.m.
Minimizing Overnight Noise
Those living near the Expo and Millennium lines may hear trains operating outside of regular service hours. On minimizing noise, Translink writes,
TransLink recognizes overnight noise can be disruptive and will take steps to minimize impacts on nearby communities. Testing will rotate between locations across Metro Vancouver, rather than taking place in the same area every night. Alarms and announcements will also be suspended wherever possible to reduce noise.
They also note that testing “must take place” outside of standard service hours to ensure its safe completion without disrupting customers.
For more information, you can read TransLink’s notice here.
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