UP Express offering big discounts to boost ridership

The Union Pearson Express (UPX) might be convenient, but it's not that popular yet. However, the train service is about to get a bit more enticing thanks to the steep discounts Metrolinx will soon start offering to riders.

As the Toronto Star reports today, Metrolinx will be giving out coupons that'll let you snag a return ticket for $27.50 - that's the regular price for a single fare.

According to the Star, this marketing plan isn't a response to low ridership. Rather, it's a tactic to help boost awareness for the UPX. Other airport train services, such as the Heathrow Express in London and Stockholm's Arlanda Express, have used similar tactics, notes the Star.

Metrolinx is hoping to have 5,000 riders per day by June, 2016. Right now, approximately 2,500 people use the UPX daily.

Photo by George Socka in the blogTO Flickr pool.