Jump to content

Main Street–Science World station

From Alfawiki
Main Street–Science World station
Company typeRapid transit station
IndustryPublic transportation
FoundedDecember 1985; 40 years ago (1985-12)
Headquarters
Vancouver
,
Canada
ProductsSkyTrain Expo Line services

Main Street–Science World (previously known simply as Main Street) is an elevated station on the Expo Line within Metro Vancouver's SkyTrain rapid transit network, situated in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Positioned at the intersection of Main Street and Terminal Avenue, it lies adjacent to Pacific Central Station, Vancouver’s hub for inter-city rail and bus connections.

History

Prior to the official SkyTrain launch, this location functioned as the western endpoint of a 1 km test track during the summer of 1983, where a prototype two-car train operated along what is now the westbound track.

The station commenced operations in December 1985 under the name "Main Street station," serving as one of two main entry points for Expo 86, alongside Stadium station. It was notable for being the first elevated SkyTrain station to have surrounding buildings integrated into its design, including the adjacent Vancity tower on its western side.

Following Expo 86, most exhibition structures were dismantled except for the nearby geodesic dome, originally known as the "Expo Centre," which was repurposed as Science World. Reflecting this prominent landmark, the station was officially renamed "Main Street–Science World" on September 21, 1990.

From 2013 to 2016, Main Street–Science World underwent extensive upgrades aimed at modernizing facilities and accommodating fare gate installation as part of TransLink's system-wide implementation of the Compass smartcard. During construction in 2014, platform length was temporarily shortened, making it impossible for four- and six-car trains to stop there. To address this, TransLink launched the Train2Main shuttle service—a two-car train running between Waterfront and Commercial–Broadway stations—while longer trains bypassed Main Street–Science World. This shuttle operated from March through December 2014.

The new east stationhouse was inaugurated on May 18, 2014, coinciding with the temporary closure of the west stationhouse for renovations. The project reached completion on February 5, 2016, enhancing accessibility, safety features, lighting, and incorporating fare gates several months after their introduction throughout the system.

Services

Entrances

  • West entrance: Located at Main Street’s western end, providing direct access to Science World and False Creek ferry terminals. This entrance includes escalators and an elevator connecting street level with the platform.
  • East entrance: Situated on Main Street’s eastern side adjacent to Thornton Park and close to Pacific Central Station, facilitating rail and bus transfers. The entrance features a staffed station house with elevator and escalator access.

Transit connections

  • Southbound local bus services on Main Street, close to the west entrance, include:
    • 3 Main
    • 8 Fraser
    • 19 Metrotown Station
    • N8 Fraser NightBus
    • N19 Surrey Central Station NightBus
  • At the intersection of Main Street and National Avenue, one block north, the following routes are available:
    • 3 Main
    • 8 Fraser
    • 19 Metrotown Station
    • 22 Knight (operates during morning peak hours only)
    • N8 Fraser NightBus
    • N19 Surrey Central Station NightBus
  • The community shuttle 23 English Bay runs northbound along Station Street adjacent to Pacific Central station and southbound on Quebec Street near Science World.
  • The east entrance accommodates northbound local buses on Main Street, servicing:
    • 3 Downtown
    • 8 Downtown
    • 19 Stanley Park
    • 22 Downtown
    • N8 Downtown NightBus
    • N19 Downtown NightBus
Retrieved from "https://www.alfawiki.org/index.php?title=Main_Street–Science_World_station&oldid=38480"