Sky Train Vancouver Information
With fully-automated trains and all the hi-tech that goes into this project, the Sky Train Vancouver is a very convenient means of public transport in Vancouver, Canada. Admittedly, Sky Train is an odd name for a rapid transit system, but that’s because its inaugural line, the Expo, is primarily an elevated line that offers passengers a panoramic view of the city. It was inaugurated 30 years ago, in 1985. The network currently consists of 3 lines, with an extension under construction. This 68.6 km network has a total of 47 stations. This too could increase in the not too distant future. Expansion plans will extend the network to approximately 80 km, serving 10 additional stations. The British Columbia Rapid Transit Company is responsible for operating the network. The Sky Train is well integrated with the rest of the public transport system. It is therefore not surprising that the annual number of passengers on this network is 117.7 million (2014).
Sky Train Vancouver Map
Map of Sky Train Vancouver showing different lines and stations. Click on the map to enlarge it or download the Sky Train Vancouver map in PDF format.
Sky Train Vancouver Hours
Trains run at different times depending on the line. The general timetable on weekdays is between 05:00-01:30. On Saturdays, trains start an hour later and run from 06:00-01:30. Sundays and other public holidays also have a different timetable. Trains run from 07:00-00:30. The frequency of trains also depends on the time of day. During peak hours, trains generally run every 2-4 minutes. However, at certain times of the day, such as Saturday and Sunday, the interval between two trains can be as long as 20 minutes.
Sky Train Vancouver Fares, Tickets and Cards
Drivers must pay for the ticket before entering the fair’s pay zone. Tickets can be purchased from machines.
The price of the ticket depends on the number of zones travelled, from the opening of the fair until 18.30 on weekdays. After 18.30 on weekdays and all day on weekends and public holidays, discounts are applied and passengers only have to pay the fair price for a zone. In addition, the transit authorities provide secondary school students with a GoCard that entitles them to discounts. Senior citizens are also entitled to discounts with a HandyCard and proof of age. Discounts are also available for children between the ages of 5 and 13. On weekdays, from the start of service to 18:30, the normal fare for a 1-zone ticket is $2.75 and the reduced fare is $1.75.
For 2 zone, the price is $4, discounted price is $2.75. For 3 Zone, the full fare is $5.50 and the discounted fare is $3.75. After 6.30pm on weekdays, weekends and all holidays, the fare is $2.75 and the discounted fare is $1.75.
Vancouver’s transit system also offers discounts for people with physical or cognitive disabilities in the form of HandyDART. This service uses specially equipped vehicles for people who need assistance using public transit.
A one-way ticket costs $2.75 for 1 and 2 zones, $4 for 3 zones and $5.50 for 4 or more zones. There are also day passes and monthly passes. A day pass for all zones costs $9.75 and the concession rate is $7.50. A monthly pass or FareCard costs $91 for 1 zone, $124 for 2 zones and $170 for 3 zones. The concession price for all zones is $52.
Faresaver Tickets (book of 10) can be purchased for $21, $31.5, $42 for Zone 1, Zone 2 and Zone 3 respectively. The discounted price for Zone 1 is $17.50.
Sky Train Vancouver Parking
Convenient park and ride facilities are available at each station. The operating hours of the Park and Ride are different at each location. None of the stations allow vehicles to be parked overnight.
Sky Train Vancouver Rules and Tips
Passengers are asked not to block the train doors. Allow passengers already on the train to disembark before boarding. There are special seats next to the doors for disabled people, pregnant women etc. Eating and drinking on the train is also discouraged. Passengers are allowed to take bicycles and pets on board the trains. As far as pets are concerned, there is only one condition, which is that the pets must be small and manageable, like in small cages and things like that.
Sky Train Vancouver Lines
Currently, SkyTrain Vancouver has three lines, the Expo Line, the Millennium Line and the Canada Line.
- Expo Line – The Expo Line was opened in 1985 and the Sky Train network operates between the Waterfront and King George, serving 20 stations in 39 minutes. The line is 28.9km long and was named after the Millennium Line. Until 1989, this line provided service to New Westminster Station, but in 1990 the line was extended to Columbia Station. After the Sky Bridge was built, the metro ran across the Fraser River to Scott Road.
- Millennium Line – The Millennium Line opened in 2002 and shares track with the Expo Line from the Waterfront to VCC-Clark. The line is 42.1 km long and serves 29 stations with a journey time of 57 minutes between two stations. 13 stations on the Millennium Line are not shared with the Expo Line.
- Canada Line – The Canada Line was opened in 2009 and it starts its journey from the Waterfront Station and later the line splits into two stations, one line continues towards the south of the Richmond Bridge House and the other line continues towards the west of the YVR Airport. Both lines take 25 minutes from Waterfront to the terminus.
- Evergreen Line – The Evergreen Line of the Sky Train network will travel north from Lougheed downtown station, terminating at Douglas Station. This line is under construction and will open in 2016.