Based on our results, we believe the current SkyTrain lines are not effective to serve all districts in Metro Vancouver. Some neighbourhoods do not have any stations. Therefore, we proposed 6 new SkyTrain lines to replace the current SkyTrain lines.
However, we believe our project has a lot of limitations that we could have considered when we are proposing the new SkyTrain network. First and foremost, we wish we could include more variables and factors in evaluating the efficiency of the existing SkyTrain system. In our project proposal, we identified population density, traffic volume, transit density as criteria to evaluate the current SkyTrain system. However, there is no network database for Vancouver, traffic flow data are only points of congestion. We are not able to include a multi-criteria evaluation in our project. As a result, we were unable to perform suitability and network analyses. We could not assess whether constructing new stations at the certain locations are feasible or not.
To summarize our findings, we believe that by adding new stations and routes may improve travel experience and efficiency of the world’s largest automated train system. Residents may commute freely without spending too much, and in a sustainable way. Another document from the transportation authority that we could keep an eye on is the Transport 2050 by Translink, which is undergoing public engagement at the moment. Translink has proposed two options to expand the current transit network in Vancouver: the first one being extension of current SkyTrain lines, the other being building light rail and more bus connection to smaller and sparse neighbourhoods. We look forward to seeing how the Transport 2050 strategy will plan for the transit system in Metro Vancouver for the next 30 years.