Vancouver teen builds SkyTrain network in virtual gaming platform Roblox

It is now possible to take a ride on Metro Vancouver’s transit system in the virtual world — virtual Compass pass included.

Julian Lam, a recent high school graduate from the North Shore, has spent the last three years recreating the SkyTrain network on the popular online gaming platform Roblox.

Lam says that when he started, his creation was pretty bare-bones.

“There were no transit stickers or safety warnings,” he said. “Each time I took [SkyTrain], I would notice something new and take photos of them, and then from those photos I would get the snapshot and put it into the game as like little details and decals.”

The 18-year-old has created a vast system of lines and stops, adding pieces that make the immersive world all the more real.

“You know when the train comes into the station, ‘Next station is’ — I requested out to the company itself for a freedom of information request to get the official files,” he said.

Since developing the SkyTrain models, he’s built a community of fellow gamers through the platform. Now, more than 300,000 people from around the world have explored his version of the Expo Line.

“I really wanted to share what Vancouver really looks like from my perspective.”

What started as a passion project has now become a connection to home for Lam, as he’s since moved to Toronto for school and says he feels a bit homesick.

“Recently I’ve just been working on it a lot more,” he said.

“Toronto it has its pros and cons, but I think Vancouver is still always going to be my home.”