Bombardier spokesperson says SkyTrain technology is not “proprietary”
- Reality Check
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- May 30, 2012
A long‑running misconception in local transit debates is that “SkyTrain technology” is some kind of closed, proprietary system owned exclusively by Bombardier. That claim has never been accurate—and a statement from Bombardier themselves now makes this crystal clear.
On the SkyscraperPage Forums, forum member “Xerx” reported that in order to obtain an answer to this question and another question on the power rail layout, he contacted Bombardier directly. A spokesperson from Bombardier then offered this response:
In response to your questions, please find the following answers.
The SkyTrain uses side contact. The SkyTrain has both third rail and fourth rail for power collection. The fourth rail is used for current return as opposed to using running rail as return. The fourth rail is used to avoid current corrosion. The power collector assembly on the bogie makes contact with the third and fourth rail at the same time. ART can also be designed to use only third rail. AirTrain JFK in New York uses only third rail.
ART is NOT proprietary. Another manufacturer can make a train that could run on SkyTrain tracks. It is correct that we faced strong competition from Rotem and Kawasaki for the KL expansion project. They offered trains that could run on the existing KL infrastructure. KL also has the same fourth rail arrangement as SkyTrain.
Thank your for your interest in our product.
Kathryn Nickerson
Bombardier Transportation
SYSTEMS
Bombardier’s own words leave no ambiguity: SkyTrain’s technology is open, interoperable, and not locked to a single supplier.
Pictured in header: A Bombardier Mark II SkyTrain
Reality Check
Reality Check is the online blog run by the founder of SkyTrain for Surrey, a BC-based community organization that has advocated for the expansion of the Vancouer SkyTrain system, including our successful advocacy for the under-construction Surrey Langley SkyTrain extension.
Media Contact: Daryl Dela Cruz – Founder, SkyTrain for Surrey ・ Phone: +1 604 329 3529, [email protected]
