Union-Pearson Express as expensive as expected

As expected, a ride on the new airport train is not going to be cheap. It will cost most Toronto-based passengers $19 to ride the new Union-Pearson Express from downtown to the airport. That price will be available to adult riders who use a Presto card. Those without will pay $27.50.

The price structure (below) includes a discount for students, seniors, and children. A family ticket, which is only available to non-Presto customers, is priced at $55. Travellers departing from Bloor or Weston stations will pay less and "qualified" airport employees will be charged $10 for a one-way journey.

Riders who buy tickets on board the train rather than at the station will incur a $2 penalty.

Metrolinx CEO Bruce McCuaig said the UP Express was not intended to be a commuter service and that the prices are "reasonable." He said the price of a UP ticket is about a third of the price of a taxi and $10 less than the defunct airport bus.

"We are confident travellers will choose our service because it is faster, cheaper, and more reliable than other direct airport to downtown modes of transportation," he said.

Fare revenue from the anticipated 2.5 million annual riders is expected to cover the line's operating costs within three years.

The provincial transit agency made the price announcement at a press event this morning where one of the 18 new UP Express trains was on hand.

The diesel trains, which feature electrical outlets, luggage racks, wifi, and departure information boards, will run every 15 minutes, stopping at Bloor and Weston GO stations. A one-way trip is expected to take about 25 minutes from Union to Pearson.

The line will open in the Spring.

Chris Bateman is a staff writer at blogTO. Follow him on Twitter at @chrisbateman.

Image: Metrolinx/Flickr.