Using our cost surface analysis, Translink’s proposed route falls pretty closely to the Broadway start point shortest path route. This is the second least expensive route of all the routes conducted with a total cost of 466,054.25. This is second only to the Broadway start point least cost path with a total cost of 464,292.6. The difference in cost is small showing that if Translink is interested in a very direct and a less expensive line then they have chosen a decent route across Vancouver. The slightly cheaper least cost path from Broadway station is not only slightly less expensive in terms of the land it crosses but also it perhaps has a better interaction with multiple areas (West 4th Ave and Broadway) as well as tourist attractions such as local beaches and a closer proximity to Granville Island. The least cost path also interacts with more community assets than the shortest path from Broadway station does (5 community centers and 4 libraries compared to 3 community centers and 4 libraries respectively). The least cost path from Broadway Skytrain station may present itself to be a more diverse, accessible, and useful line to a broader range of people and uses than the proposed Translink route or any of the other proposed routes presented in this project. This route also falls within Translink’s study area and although does not access the same number of community assets as the Main Street Skytrain station least cost path, the Main Street Skytrain station least cost path must move through a busy downtown creating unseen social and economic cost as well as pass under False Creek which is dangerous and potentially environmentally damaging. The least cost path from Broadway Skytrain station is the best overall option for being community minded as well as commercially friendly.
