New Report Highlights Importance of SkyTrain Platform and Guideway Safety

New Report Highlights Importance of SkyTrain Platform and Guideway Safety

Technical Safety BC and TransLink share new analysis showing need for safer behaviour around transit infrastructure

Content warning: This release contains statistics involving suicides that may be distressing or triggering for readers. Help is available. If you are having thoughts of suicide, call or text 9-8-8 for support, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Vancouver, BC (September 22, 2026) – Technical Safety BC and TransLink are issuing a joint call to action for transit passengers to prioritize safety on and around the Metro Vancouver SkyTrain system. A new data analysis from Technical Safety BC shows human behaviour—whether intended or unintentional—remains the leading factor behind serious incidents on the transit system.

Between 2016 and 2025, there were 122 safety incidents involving people making physical contact with the SkyTrain. In 100 per cent of these cases, the railway safety systems were operating as designed, including systems that detect when something enters the guideway (the track area) and triggers the train’s emergency brakes. When adjusted for ridership, the average incident rate on the Expo and Millennium lines from 2023 to 2025 was double the pre-pandemic rate recorded between 2016 and 2019.

Of the 122 incidents, 63 per cent occurred in the guideway. Nearly half of those incidents (47 per cent) were fatal, while eight per cent resulted in severe injuries. The remaining 37 per cent occurred on platforms, where 23 per cent resulted in moderate to major injuries, including incidents involving people standing too close to the platform edge or attempting to stop train doors from closing.

Key Findings from the SkyTrain Incident Data Analysis (2016–2025):

• Guideway incidents (63 per cent): Nearly half of incidents that occurred in the guideway were fatal (47 per cent), while eight per cent resulted in severe injuries. Most were suspected to be suicidal, which was determined through reports of the incident indicating the individual may have intentionally entered the guideway. Accidental incidents included falls, attempts to board as doors were closing, entrapment involving belongings or body parts, and unauthorized entry into the track area.
• Platform incidents (37 per cent): Most platform incidents were likely accidental. Common factors included rushing to board, standing too close to the platform edge, and attempting to stop train doors from closing. In some cases, platform incidents can also lead to a fall into the guideway, increasing the risk of serious injury or death.
• Incident trends: When adjusted for ridership, the average incident rate on the Expo and Millennium lines from 2023 to 2025 was double the pre-pandemic rate recorded between 2016 and 2019.

"Our safety data shows a troubling increase in incidents where individuals have come into contact with a SkyTrain," said Derek Patterson, Vice President of Regulatory Leadership and Corporate Secretary, Technical Safety BC. "We must work together to influence better safety outcomes. We are partnering with TransLink to share this data so we can educate the public, prevent future tragedies, and save lives."

TransLink and Technical Safety BC urge transit users to follow these important life-saving guidelines:

1. Stay behind the yellow line on the platform until the train has come to a complete stop and the doors have opened.
2. Do not try to board once the doors have started closing. Never use your hands, bags, clothing, or other belongings to try to stop or hold the doors open.
3. Never enter the guideway. If you drop something (such as a phone or keys) onto the tracks, do not try to retrieve it yourself. Inform a SkyTrain staff member for assistance.
4. Stay aware of your surroundings. Avoid distractions like looking down at your phone or wearing noise-cancelling headphones when standing near the platform edge.

TransLink observations suggest that people may appear unsteady on platforms for various reasons, including mobility challenges, intoxication, neurological disorders, and other medical conditions. Previous studies also found that platform screen doors were not compatible with the SkyTrain system. TransLink is now reassessing the technology to determine whether newer solutions can address those challenges and work within the existing system.

“Safety is our top priority, and we are continually looking at ways to strengthen protections across the SkyTrain system,” said Kevin Quinn, CEO, TransLink. “While our systems and procedures are designed to keep people safe, we know these incidents can have devastating impacts on the people involved, their loved ones, our employees and first responders. This work is about continuing to look for every opportunity to reduce those incidents and their impact.”

For more passenger safety tips, visit TransLink’s Safety and Security Guide and Technical Safety BC’s Rail Public Safety page.

— 30 —

Content Warning & Mental Health Support: This release contains statistics regarding suicide. Each incident represents a profound personal tragedy and an impact on family, transit staff, first responders, and the community. Suicide is preventable. If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, support is available 24/7. Call or text 9-8-8 to reach the Suicide Crisis Helpline.

Note to Editors on Responsible Reporting: Following media guidelines for safe reporting on suicide can significantly decrease the risk of contagion and further deaths. Journalists are strongly encouraged to refer to the safe reporting guidelines at 988.ca/media-guidelines when sourcing this information or writing about this topic.

About Technical Safety BC
Technical Safety BC is an independent, self-funded organization that oversees the safe installation and operation of technical systems and equipment. In addition to issuing licences, certificates, and permits, it works with industry to reduce safety risks through assessment, education and outreach, incident investigations, and enforcement. For more information, visit www.technicalsafetybc.ca.

About TransLink
TransLink plans, funds, operates, and manages Metro Vancouver’s transportation system that moves people and goods. It supports the regional growth strategy, provincial and regional environmental and emission reduction objectives, and economic development of the transportation service region. TransLink also acquires, constructs, and maintains assets, infrastructure, facilities, and property required for the regional transportation network. TransLink’s system spans 21 municipalities with a total population of three million people, and a service area that covers more than 1,800 square kilometres. For more information, visit translink.ca.

Media contacts:

Technical Safety BC
media@technicalsafetybc.ca

TransLink
media@translink.ca