Sky Train Vancouver Information
With fully automated trains and all the hi-tec technology incorporated in this project, the Sky Train Vancouver is a very convenient means of public transportation in Vancouver, Canada. Agreed, Sky Train is a peculiar name for a rapid transit, but the reason for this is that it’s maiden line, the Expo, is primarily an elevated line that provides the passengers with a panoramic view of the city. It began operations 30 years ago, in the year 1985. Presently, the network consists of 3 lines, with one extension already under construction. This 68.6 km long network covers 47 stations in total. This too, could increase in the not so distant future. Expansion plans, will extend the network to around 80 km long, serving 10 more additional stations. The British Columbia Rapid Transit Company is responsible for the operations of this network. The Sky Train is integrated with the other means of public transportation to the best of its abilities. Therefore, it comes as no surprise that the annual ridership of this network is 117.7 million (2014).
Sky Train Vancouver Map
Map of Sky Train Vancouver showing various lines and stations. Click on the map to enlarge it. You can also Download Sky Train Vancouver Map in PDF.
Sky Train Vancouver Hours
The trains follow different timings in accordance with the lines. The general timings of the trains on weekdays is between 05:00-01:30 am. On Saturdays, the trains start operations an hour later, and run from 06:00-01:30 am. Sundays and other public holidays have a different set of timings too. The trains operate from 07:00-00:30 am. The frequency of the trains, also, depends on the timing of the day. During peak hours, the trains generally have a headway of about 2-4 minutes. However, at certain times of the day such as on Saturday’s and Sunday’s, the time interval between two trains could be as long as 20 minutes.
For more information on the timings, frequency and schedules of the trains, line wise, you can visit the official website at: http://www.translink.ca/en/Schedules-and-Maps/SkyTrain/SkyTrain-Schedules.aspx
Sky Train Vancouver Fares, Tickets and Cards
The riders need to pay for the ticket before entering the Fair paid zone. The tickets can be obtained from vending machines. From the start of the operation hours till 6.30 pm on weekdays, the price of the ticket depends on number of zones that would be travelled. After 6.30 pm on weekdays and all day on weekends and holidays, discounts are applied and the passengers just need to pay fair corresponding to one zone. In addition, the transit services provide a GoCard to Secondary students to avail discounts. The seniors are also eligible for discounted prices with a HandyCard and proof of age. Concessions are also given to children who are 5-13 years old. On weekdays, from start of service till 6.30 pm, for 1 Zone, the ticket is normally priced at $2.75, and the discounted rate is $1.75. For 2 Zone, the price is $4, discounted price is $2.75. For 3 Zone, ticket is priced at $5.50 while the discounted rate is $3.75. After 6.30 pm on weekdays and on Weekends and all holidays, the ticket is priced at $2.75, while the concession rate is $1.75. Vancouver’s transit system also provides discounts for people having physical or cognitive disabilities in the form of HandyDART. This service uses specially equipped vehicles for people who need assistance while using public transit. For 1 and 2 Zones, a single fare ticket costs $2.75, for 3 zones, ticket is priced at $4 and for 4 or more zones, rider needs to pay $5.50. In addition, there are day passes and monthly passes. A DayPass for all zones costs $9.75 and the concession rate is $7.50. A monthly pass or FareCard for 1 Zone is priced at $91, for 2 zones, $124 and for 3 zone, $170. The concession price for all zones is $52.
Faresaver Tickets (book of 10) can be purchased for $21, $31.5, $42 for Zone1, zone2 and Zone3 respectively. For Zone 1 discount price is $17.50.
For more information on the fares, tickets and cards, you can visit the official website at: http://www.translink.ca/en/Fares-and-Passes.aspx
Sky Train Vancouver Parking
Convenient park and ride lots are available at each station. At each location, the hour of operation of park and ride are different. None of the stations permit overnight parking of vehicles.
For more information on the park and ride facilities that are offered to the passengers of the Sky Train, you can visit the official website at: http://www.translink.ca/en/Getting-Around/Driving/Park-and-Ride.aspx
Sky Train Vancouver Rules and Tips
SPassengers are requested not to block the train doors. Let the passengers that are already in the train get off before boarding the trains. There are special seats that are stationed next to the doors for the needy people, like disabled people, pregnant women etc. Eating and drinking on board the train isn’t encouraged either. Passengers are allowed to carry bikes and pets on board the trains. With regard to pets, there is only one condition that is, the pets need to be small and handy, as in small cages and things like that.
Sky Train Vancouver Lines
Currently Sky Train Vancouver has three lines, Expo line, Millennium line and Canada line.
● Expo line – The expo line was opened in 1985 and the sky train network operates between Waterfront and King George serving 20 stations within 39 minutes. The length of the route is 28.9km and this route was named, once the millennium line was built. Until 1989, this route offered service up to New Westminster Station but in 1990 the route was further extended towards Columbia Station. Once the sky bridge was built the metro ran across the Fraser River to Scott Road.
● Millennium Line – The millennium line was opened in 2002 and it shares the track with Expo line from Waterfront towards VCC-Clark. The length of the route is 42.1km serving 29 stations and it takes 57 minutes to travel between two stations. 13 stations of Millennium line are not shared with Expo line.
● Canada Line – The Canada line was opened in 2009 and it starts its journey from Waterfront station and later the line splits into two stations, one line continuing towards south of the Richmond Bridge house and the other line moving towards the west of YVR Airport. On both the lines, from Waterfront to reach the end station, it takes 25 minutes.
● Evergreen line – The evergreen line of Sky Train network will be running from the Lougheed town center station heading towards north, ending the journey at Douglas Station. This line is under construction and will open in 2016.