Metrotown SkyTrain Station
Upgrades + Expansion
Burnaby, BC
Metrotown is the second-busiest SkyTrain station on TransLink’s system, with more than 50,000 passenger trips per day; a related bus exchange handles over 25,000 trips per day. TransLink, as part of its Expo Line capacity upgrades program, aimed to substantially reorganize and expand Metrotown Station to meet growing ridership demand. The 1986-built station was re-envisioned as a ground-plane focused transit hub designed for high volume, and complex pedestrian movements, intermodal transfers, and an active and animated street life.
VIA acted as Translink’s prime consultant for this multi-phase project from concept development, through preparation of the bid package, and construction administration. VIA was responsible for project management, architecture, urban planning and design, public open houses, and coordination with multiple public agencies. Now complete, Metrotown station upgrades included a rebuilt east entrance; new center and west station houses; four new pairs of up and down escalators (some of the tallest in the SkyTrain network); three new high-speed elevators; new stairs; a new canopy, and more space on the platforms to improve pedestrian circulation.
Metrotown Station won the Deputy Minister’s Award of Excellence in Alternate Transportation “in recognition of excellence in alternate transportation.” Metrotown also won the Gold award at the 2018 Vancouver Regional Construction Association Awards of Excellence in the General Contractors – $15 Million to $50 Million category.
