VANCOUVER – The Broadway Subway Project recently achieved a critical milestone as dynamic testing of SkyTrain vehicles officially began on the 5.7-kilometre extension. This marks the first instance of trains operating on the new tracks, which will expand the Millennium Line west from VCC-Clark Station to Arbutus Street in Vancouver.

Testing will be conducted in phases through 2027 to ensure that all integrated systems, including trains, tracks, signals, and communication networks, function safely and cohesively. Initially, driver-operated SkyTrain vehicles 013 and 014 will run at varying speeds along approximately two kilometres of track, spanning from VCC-Clark Station to the tunnels situated west of Great Northern Way-Emily Carr Station. The testing regime will eventually transition to automatic train control, culminating in a “trial running” phase where trains simulate full-service conditions, including stops at all six new stations.

The Broadway Subway Project represents a substantial investment, with funding contributions from the Government of British Columbia ($1.957 billion), the Government of Canada ($896.9 million), and an in-kind contribution from the City of Vancouver ($100.3 million). Upon its projected public opening in fall 2027, the journey from VCC-Clark to Arbutus is anticipated to take just 11 minutes, offering an estimated daily saving of nearly 30 minutes for the average commuter.

Mike Farnworth, Minister of Transportation and Transit, emphasized the importance of this testing phase in confirming the system's safety and reliability. Concurrently with the testing, crews are continuing track installation throughout the extension and integrating electrical and mechanical systems within the stations. Federal Minister of Housing and Infrastructure, Gregor Robertson, and Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim highlighted the project's aim to alleviate congestion and enhance transit accessibility within one of the region’s busiest corridors.