30th Anniversary of the West Coast Express
TransLink is launching a limited-edition Compass Mini in honour of the 30th anniversary of the West Coast Express train this weekend. A special Saturday train will also be running to give riders a chance to experience Western Canada’s only commuter train, and customers are invited to see and tour the locomotive.
30th Anniversary of the West Coast Express
- Date: Saturday, November 1, 2025
- Starting at 10:00am
- Location: TransLink Customer Service Centre at Waterfront Station
Each Compass Mini works just like a Compass Card, allowing customers to tap in at fare gates and on buses. Customers will be limited to two Compass Minis per person. There will be 5,000 products available, including 4,000 adult and 1,000 concession Compass Minis, each available with a $6 refundable deposit.
Saturday Train and Tours
The special Saturday train will depart Mission City Station at 9:00am, travelling west to Waterfront Station. The afternoon train will depart Waterfront Station at 3:00pm, returning to Mission City Station. Regular fares will apply.
From 10:00am onwards, customers are also invited to the West Coast Express platform at Waterfront Station to take in family-friendly activities, including a photo opportunity aboard the West Coast Express locomotive, plus a chance to explore inside the train and learn its history from the team.
About the West Coast Express
The name “West Coast Express” was the winning suggestion by Shannon O’Hara during a naming contest, held in January 1995. There were 8,447 entries into the contest.
The West Coast Express travels between Mission City Station, Port Haney Station, Maple Meadows Station, Pitt Meadows Station, Port Coquitlam Station, Coquitlam Central Station, Moody Centre Station, and Waterfront Station.
Quick facts:
- In 2023, TransLink boosted West Coast Express service by adding a fifth train through the West Coast Express Refurbishment Project. The refurbishments will extend the lifespan of the locomotive engines by 15 years.
- In 2024, the West Coast Express fleet fully converted to renewable diesel, helping to reduce fleet emissions by 97 percent.
- In September 2025, the West Coast Express averaged 7,400 weekly boardings.
Compared to other rapid transit routes in Metro Vancouver, the West Coast Express typically only runs Monday to Friday, and only ten times a day, five times headed west in the morning, and five times headed east in the evening. In his recent CBC feature, Justin McElroy looks into the line’s limited service, and its future.
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