New Mark V SkyTrain cars hit the tracks

A Mark V SkyTrain is seen in this image handed out by TransLink.

The first of a new generation of SkyTrain cars was unveiled Thursday, in what TransLink says is the start of a new era for Vancouver.

The first Mark V SkyTrain officially begins running on the Expo Line Friday, and another 46 trains – a total of 235 cars – will be rolled out over the next four years.

The public got a chance to tour the new cars at an event attended by federal, provincial and municipal dignitaries.

“From the first SkyTrain in 1985 to this moment right now, I want to welcome you to the future of SkyTrain,” said TransLink CEO Kevin Quinn, to a round of cheers and applause.

The new trains can fit 25 per cent more passengers inside, or about 140 people, compared to the previous generation Mark IIIs, according to TransLink. They have five cars each instead of four and wider aisles with more standing room.

The new cars feature leaning pads and sideways-facing seats in addition to the traditional front-and-back facing chairs. Other perks include new digital displays and better heating and cooling systems.

The windscreens on each car display work from local Indigenous artists, including Rain Pierre of the Katzie First Nation, Atheana Picha and Brandon Gabriel of the Kwantlen First Nation, Darryl Blyth of the Musqueam Nation, and Rose Williams of the Squamish Nation.

Officials touted the all-Canadian creation of the trains, built in Quebec and tested in Kingston before travelling across the Trans-Canada Highway to Vancouver.

The Mark V will replace the original 80s-era Mark I cars. The Mark III, which began rolling out in 2015, will continue to operate.