TransLink Lights the Way for Rider-Activated Solar Lighting Across Metro Vancouver
Boosting rider safety & visibility throughout Metro Vancouver
In late September 2024, Urban Solar was selected as 1 of 4 winners out of more than 400 applicants in TransLink’s Innovation Challenge through Open Call for Innovation. The pilot, which officially launched in January 2025, focused on deploying solar-powered transit stop lighting across Metro Vancouver to enhance the rider experience.
With installations spanning Metro Vancouver throughout downtown, North Vancouver, Burnaby, Tsawwassen and Langley, the project formed part of a broader Open Call for Innovation — an initiative seen in leading regions like New York and New Jersey that invites emerging technologies into the public transit space. Through the Transit app’s Rate-My-Ride feature, riders are actively sharing feedback, ensuring their voices help shape the future of transit infrastructure.
Long, dark winters call for safer, more visible stops
Metro Vancouver’s long winter nights present a very real challenge for transit agencies focused on safety and visibility. Reduced daylight hours impact rider comfort, perceived safety and overall customer experience — particularly at stops without access to grid power.
TransLink was seeking a solution that could perform reliably in northern climates while maintaining operational efficiency. The need for durable, cold-weather battery performance — capable of operating in cold temperatures was critical. Above all, the agency was driven by a desire to meaningfully improve the passenger experience in a measurable way.
A solar lighting pilot designed for performance, efficiency & scalability
To address TransLink’s safety, visibility and winter performance challenges, Urban Solar implemented a scalable, solar-powered lighting pilot. The solution combined durable hardware, energy management and rider-activated push buttons to maximize performance and efficiency.
The phased approach allows TransLink to test, evaluate and confidently expand the deployment based on real-world results.
PV Stop+ Transit Pole Lighting:
The pilot began with four PV Stop+ systems installed across multiple municipalities in Metro Vancouver. Each unit integrates 20W solar panels with AGM batteries capable of operating in temperatures as low as -40°C, ensuring dependable lighting throughout long winter nights without reliance on grid power.
PV Stop MAX Transit Pole Lighting:
TransLink then expanded the pilot with 10 PV Stop MAX systems. With increased 40W solar generation and battery storage capacity, the PV Stop MAX supports longer illumination periods during peak winter months and provides a scalable foundation for broader network deployment.
Rider-Activated Push Button Lighting:
All systems feature push-button lighting activation, giving riders direct control while conserving energy. By illuminating only when needed, the technology extends battery life, reduces operational costs and balances safety with sustainable performance.
Improved visibility, greater rider confidence & data-driven feedback
The project’s start in September 2024 has led to positive impacts including:
Improved Visibility
Solar-powered illumination significantly enhanced stop visibility during Metro Vancouver’s long winter nights, creating brighter and more welcoming environments for riders. Reliable cold-weather performance ensures consistent lighting when it mattered most.
Data-Driven Feedback
Through the Transit app’s Rate-My-Ride feature, TransLink is collecting real-time rider feedback on the new lighting installations and collecting data to identify where there are dark stops to determine where solar lighting is needed. This direct input enables informed decision-making and ensures future improvements are grounded in measurable customer experience data.
Local Support
With our Victoria, BC office located nearby, Urban Solar is also able to provide responsive on-site support, streamlined maintenance and ongoing technical guidance — strengthening the long-term partnership while keeping service close to home.
Enhanced Rider Confidence
With improved lighting and rider-activated controls, passengers reported feeling safer and more in control of their transit experience. The installations transformed previously dark stops into spaces that feel active, responsive and thoughtfully designed.
About Urban Solar
Urban Solar is the North American market leader in off-grid lighting and amenities for bus stops. Since 2008, Urban Solar solutions have enhanced safety and rider experience at over 30,000 bus stops across North America.