Commercial–Broadway station
| Company type | Transit station |
|---|---|
| Industry | Public transportation |
| Founded | December 11, 1985 (Broadway station) |
| Headquarters | Vancouver , Canada |
| Products | SkyTrain services, Bus services |
Commercial–Broadway station, previously two distinct stations known as Broadway and Commercial Drive, serves as a major transit hub within Metro Vancouver's SkyTrain network. It accommodates both the elevated Expo Line and the subterranean Millennium Line. Ranking as the third most frequented SkyTrain station, it also acts as the terminus for the region’s busiest bus route, the 99 B-Line.
The current station complex was established in 2009 by combining the former Broadway and Commercial Drive stations to enhance operational efficiency and passenger transfers. In February 2019, a third platform was introduced on the Broadway side to increase capacity for Expo Line trains heading toward Waterfront station, in anticipation of rising ridership linked to projects such as the Evergreen extension on the Millennium Line.
Location
Positioned just east of the junction of East Broadway and Commercial Drive in East Vancouver, Commercial–Broadway station lies close to Vancouver’s Little Italy neighbourhood. The Expo Line platform is elevated above East Broadway, while the Millennium Line platform is located below street level within the Grandview Cut, south of Grandview Highway North. These two sections are connected by a pedestrian overpass spanning East Broadway.
History
The formation of Commercial–Broadway station came from uniting two separate stations: Broadway station on the Expo Line and Commercial Drive station on the Millennium Line.
Broadway station began service on December 11, 1985, as part of the original Expo Line rollout, designed by the architectural firm Allen Parker and Associates. It quickly became one of the system’s busiest transit points. Commercial Drive station opened later on August 31, 2002, situated in the Grandview Cut as a temporary terminus for the Millennium Line with transfer access to Broadway station. The Millennium Line was extended westward in January 2006 by to reach its new terminus at VCC–Clark station.
Starting November 2008, renovations at Broadway station included adding an entrance from 10th Avenue, relocating elevators, and replacing metal mesh panels at street level with glass elements. These improvements were finalized by October 2009.
On September 7, 2009, the two stations officially merged under the name Commercial–Broadway to eliminate confusion with Broadway–City Hall station on the Canada Line. Post-merger, Commercial Drive platforms were designated as platforms 1 and 2, while Broadway platforms became 3 and 4.
Between August 31, 2002, and October 22, 2016, Commercial–Broadway was one of only four stations worldwide where a single metro line—the Millennium Line—passed through twice in a pretzel-shaped route. The other stations with this unique configuration were located in Sofia, Newcastle upon Tyne, and The Hague.
Upgrades
In conjunction with the Evergreen Extension, substantial improvements commenced at Commercial–Broadway station in early 2015 to accommodate higher passenger volumes and enhance overall user experience. Initially planned for completion by mid-2017, these upgrades were officially opened on February 2, 2019. Notable enhancements include:
- Construction of an additional platform (platform 5) positioned east of platforms 3 and 4 to expand capacity for Expo Line trains traveling toward Waterfront station. This design enables trains to open doors on both sides for all-door boarding, facilitating smoother passenger movement amid increased demand from Evergreen Line growth.
- Upgraded weather protection and amenities within bus waiting zones.
- Improved accessibility through enhanced passageways, vertical circulation systems, and entry points.
- Development of a new pedestrian plaza located south of Broadway.
- Installation of a bicycle parkade with space for up to 42 bikes.
These improvements align with TransLink’s objectives to maximize transit capacity and elevate passenger comfort at this critical interchange point.
Services
- Commercial–Broadway station serves as a major interchange for TransLink bus routes running along Broadway, including the 9 bus and the 99 B-Line, an articulated express service providing limited stops and direct connections to the University of British Columbia.
- Prior to renovations in 2008–2009, the station featured three modest retail outlets—"Broadway Smoke Shoppe," "The Exchange," and the "Vancouver Ticket Centre"—which were part of a retail initiative introduced alongside SkyTrain in 1986.
Entrances
- Commercial Drive and Broadway (north) entrance: Situated at the northeast corner of Broadway and Commercial Drive, this entrance opened in 2002 with the debut of the Millennium Line. It offers escalators and elevators accessing all four platforms; during peak periods, escalators serving platforms 1 and 2 may operate in reverse directions.
- Broadway (south) entrance: The original access point located at the southeast corner of the intersection, providing entry to platforms 3 and 4. Escalators and elevators link street level to these platforms; reaching platforms 1 and 2 requires crossing Broadway or utilizing the overhead walkway.
- 10th Avenue entrance: Established in 2009 at the southern end of platforms 3 and 4, this entrance shares facilities with the Broadway south entrance.
Transit connections
Bus routes:
- Westbound on Broadway (stop adjacent to Broadway north entrance):
- 9 UBC / Alma / To Granville
- 99 B-Line UBC
- N9 Downtown NightBus
- Eastbound on Broadway (near Broadway south entrance):
- 9 Boundary
- 99 B-Line Boundary B-Line
- N9 Coquitlam Station NightBus
- Southbound on Commercial Drive (stops on both sides at Broadway intersection):
- 20 Victoria / Victoria to 54th
- N20 Victoria NightBus
- Northbound on Commercial Drive (stop just north of Broadway intersection near Commercial Drive entrance):
- 20 Downtown
- N20 Downtown NightBus
- Drop-off point for 9 and 99 at Commercial Broadway Station