In Vancouver, TransLink marked its 30th anniversary of the West Coast Express route amid success in a number of areas including innovation, renewable diesel fuel, and sustained sustainability.

This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

West Coast Express 30th Anniversary — A New Era of Clean Rail Travel
Photo: TransLink

West Coast Express Modernization and Service Growth

West Coast Express is still the only commuter train service in western Canada, connecting downtown Vancouver to Mission City through eight major stations. This train operates only from Monday to Friday during peak hours, supporting thousands of commuters daily.

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In 2023, it introduced a fifth train in its service in an effort to enhance capacity. Also in 2023, it launched a verified modernization program that reduces emissions by 50% and increases a locomotive’s lifespan by 15 years.

Increases in upgraded comfort systems and reliability have also added value to passenger experience. Through such measures, the West Coast Express is also improving its reliability and performance within the region.

West Coast Express Transition to Renewable Diesel

In September 2024, TransLink finalized the entire fleet’s switch to renewable diesel, thereby ensuring a 97% lower greenhouse gas emissions rate. This puts it at one of North America’s cleanest commuter rail networks.

This is in line with its aim of attaining a net-zero fleet emissions status by 2050. This is backed by factual data that highlights a 47% surge in the usage of its fleet in 2023 compared to 2022.

Collectively, these results establish that investment, innovation, and commitment to the environment will keep the West Coast Express a model of clean and smarter transportation.

Source: www.progressiverailroading.com

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What is the West Coast Express?

The West Coast Express is TransLink’s commuter rail service connecting downtown Vancouver and Mission City, operating on weekdays during rush hours.

When did TransLink convert the West Coast Express fleet to renewable diesel?

In September 2024, TransLink finished converting the entire fleet to renewable diesel, reducing emissions by 97%.

How is TransLink modernizing the West Coast Express?

In 2023, TransLink added a fifth train and began a modernization program to extend locomotive life and cut emissions by half.

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