TransLink to add 28 new SkyTrain cars by 2019

TransLink has signed a contract to buy 28 new Mark III SkyTrain cars for a cost of $93 million, officials announced this morning in Vancouver.

The seven new four-car trains won't be ready for service until 2019, but when they hit the rails they will raise the capacity of the SkyTrain system by 12 per cent during peak periods, TransLink officials said Friday in Vancouver.

TransLink says the longer Mark III trains hold approximately 20 to50 more passengers than previous models. They are also quieter, have larger windows and more space set aside for bikes, wheelchairs and strollers.

Earlier this year TransLink announced it had bought seven new trains in preparation for the opening of the Evergreen Line.

• PHOTOS - TransLink unveils the new Mark III SkyTrain

The new trains are funded by local, provincial and federal funding as part of Phase One of the 10-Year regional transit plan.