Whether public works of art, museum objects, children’s play objects or garden accessories, it is anyone’s guess what the next life awaits the first fleet of wagons. of the SkyTrain.

TransLink is looking for innovative ideas to reuse approximately 150 of its decommissioned Mark I SkyTrain cars, which are reaching the end of their service life after more than four decades of service.

“We are calling on organizations to develop a retirement plan for the original SkyTrain cars that have been on the fleet since 1986,” said Thor Diakow of Tranlink.

“Moving the original fleet and finding homes for these cars presents a unique opportunity to celebrate the region’s transit history.” »

The cars, classic in their original red, white and blue color, were unveiled at the 1986 World Transportation and Communications Exposition, known as Expo 86. Its launch coinciding with the theme of the fair “Transport and communications: a world on the move – a world on the move”. Touch”, this marked the introduction of Vancouver’s first rapid transit system.

“The Mark 1s are particularly historic because they are emblematic of a different era in Vancouver and have served millions of transit riders for almost 40 years,” Diakow said.

Diakow said there are “transit enthusiasts all over Metro Vancouver” who are excited about cars because they are “part of the fabric of history” of the Vancouver community.

“When you see one of those old school, red, white and blue designs, it really takes you back to the ’80s. They really remind people of a time when the city was a lot different than it is today,” he declared.

To replace the iconic originals, TransLink hopes to add new Mark 5 cars to its fleet by 2027. Offering more comfort, more amenities and a “smoother ride,” Diakow said they are a testament to how far SkyTrain cars. come since their introduction in 1986.

While TransLink is looking at multiple projects and organizations to transport the railcars on their next journey, Diakow said there are no ideas “too big or too small” as to what their new goal might be.

Several cars have already been purchased by a production company, which plans to feature them in a future television series. Trainspotters might want one for their own personal use, while local museums might hope to seize the opportunity to preserve transportation history in their own establishments, Diakow said.

Preference, he said, will be given to concepts that benefit the community and pay homage to the car’s historic use.

Community organizations, municipalities, developers and interested individuals can submit their proposals for Mark I trains via the online form. Successful bidders will be responsible for funding the movement of the railcar from the BC Rapid Transit Company’s storage facility in Burnaby, as well as the costs of its restoration or reuse plan.

Proposals will be accepted until December 6, with applications expected to reopen later as more vehicles are removed from service.