Hitachi Rail Supports Expansion of Vancouver SkyTrain Fleet

Vancouver SkyTrain’s new Mark V trains are operating with full automation using Hitachi Rail’s SelTrac™ Vehicle On-Board Controllers (VOBCs).

This deployment is part of the rollout of 47 new trains to support the city’s Expo and Millennium Line expansions.

The VOBCs form part of the SelTrac™ Communications-Based Train Control (CBTC) system, developed in Canada, and already in use across the SkyTrain network. The technology allows for fully automated operation by enabling continuous, two-way communication between trains and central control systems. This ensures safe spacing between vehicles and supports more frequent service.

The CBTC system is expected to help manage rising passenger demand. On an average weekday in 2025, the SkyTrain network has recorded approximately 481,000 boardings. The enhanced automation is intended to improve reliability, reduce headways between trains, and offer a consistent travel experience for users.

Hitachi Rail’s involvement in the SkyTrain system began in 1986 with the launch of the Expo Line, one of the first automated urban railways globally. Over the past four decades, the company has supplied and upgraded train control systems in tandem with network extensions.

The addition of new trains supports Metro Vancouver’s 10-Year Transportation Vision, which includes a 28% increase in the total length of the SkyTrain system. New lines under construction, such as the Broadway Subway and Surrey Langley SkyTrain, will also use Hitachi Rail’s CBTC signalling.

Ziad Rizk, Managing Director of Urban Rail Signalling at Hitachi Rail said:

Hitachi Rail’s 40+ year partnership with Metro Vancouver’s transit system is testament to our onboard technology developed right here in Canada. This milestone signifies the next significant stride in our shared journey that commenced in 1986 with the groundbreaking introduction of SkyTrain, the world’s first driverless train system. Our innovative technology seamlessly integrates new vehicles into service, reflecting the collaborative efforts of TransLink, Hitachi Rail, and our valued partners. Together, we enhance the passenger experience across one of Canada’s busiest transit networks.

As the new trains continue to be phased into service, the signalling technology is expected to play a central role in enabling more frequent and dependable operations on the expanding network.