TransLink seeking creative ‘retirement plans’ for old SkyTrain cars

TransLink is looking for some creative ideas to repurpose the original SkyTrain cars and save them from the scrapyard.

The transit authority says it is retiring its Mark I Skytrain fleet — the original cars introduced during Expo 86 — and is requesting proposals from people, organizations, developers, and municipalities for what to do with them.

“They’re going to be replaced in the coming years by the new Mark V SkyTrain cars, and TransLink is putting out the call looking for innovative and community-driven ideas to essentially come up with a retirement plan for them,” said TransLink media relations adviser Thor Diakow.

“No idea, frankly, is too small or too big.”

There has already been some interest, Diakow says.

“We did have one car purchased by a film production company for an upcoming TV series, so stay tuned for that — you’ll see a familiar SkyTrain car in a production at some point down the road,” Diakow said.

He says other ideas could include community displays, playgrounds, and art installations.

“Vehicles like this have even been used in artificial reefs,” he said.

While this may present an opportunity to fulfil your creative impulses, it doesn’t come free; the successful applicants will need to pay for all the refurbishments. As well, they will need to relocate them on their own.

The deadline for proposals is Dec. 6. TransLink says more applications will be taken as more SkyTrain cars are retired from service.