TOareaFan
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none that I know of...but not sure what the question is driving at.While there are hotels near the Union Station terminal, what hotels are within walking distance of Bloor or Weston?
none that I know of...but not sure what the question is driving at.While there are hotels near the Union Station terminal, what hotels are within walking distance of Bloor or Weston?
So unsuccessful? Ridership is a bit below target - but does seem to be slowly climbing (I wouldn't take those September/October higher numbers too seriously, given the reports of how many people were using it after Blue Jays games).
It was never predicted or design to have particularly high ridership.
Seems more like the media is just trying to stir the pot ... the bizarre anticipation of both the Star and Globe transportation reporters for this data was telling.
What I don't get is why UPX is so unsuccessful (even after the fare drop) if other cities have successful airport trains.
Some thoughts:
1) The perception that $27.50 is the fixed cost. Not many people seem to know about the $19.00 PRESTO fare. (This perception was inflated with extensive media coverage)
2) Lack of clear and consistent wayfinding at Pearson Airport (what is this UP symbol??)
3) While some people may be interested in giving it a try (regardless of cost), it might not make sense for people to travel all the way to Union, if you would just end up backtracking (e.g. if you lived anywhere west of downtown)
3.1) If you already paid TTC fare to travel to Union/Bloor/Weston stations, why would you pay an additional fare to travel to the airport, when you could just continue to the airport on the same fare?
I've used the UPX before and I really liked it, but it would have been easier for me, timewise, to just continue taking the subway to Kipling, then take the airport rocket.
The only fare structure change I think they should consider at this time (or at least consider if they are building a "plan B") is how the fares are structured on trips that do not include Pearson.I think that Metrolinx should work with airlines behind the scenes. Transfer that psychological expense from a cash expense that people don't build into their travel budgets and make it a part of their airfare. If Air Canada were to offer an option for "Check in downtown and express train to the airport" when I bought the flight, I'd pay the extra $20 bucks.
They could also make it a free perk for Aeroplan members. Air Canada would negotiate a deal with Metrolinx to allow all of its members to check in at an an Air Canada desk at UPX Union Station and board the train.
I believe that the problem resides in people having the option of paying $3 or $19 at the moment they walk out of their door and head to the airport. Build that into the moment that they're spending hundreds of dollars on a flight and most people won't hesitate.
There's still so much to explore before they decide to reduce the price and operate at a loss, and much further still before they give up, write it all off and make it a commuter line.
Good news doesn't come out at 4pm on Friday. Everyone who watched the West Wing knows that ("Take Out The Trash Day")So unsuccessful? Ridership is a bit below target - but does seem to be slowly climbing (I wouldn't take those September/October higher numbers too seriously, given the reports of how many people were using it after Blue Jays games).
It was never predicted or design to have particularly high ridership.
Seems more like the media is just trying to stir the pot ... the bizarre anticipation of both the Star and Globe transportation reporters for this data was telling.
Couldn't you have just taken an uber to the airport directly for $30?A couple of minutes stopped in the tunnel between each station.. and a couple of minutes in each station. I estimate it took about 10 minutes to get to Coxwell.
Off I jump...a $10 uber and I'm down at Union and on the UP again. Quick, now stress-free. (and I would say it was probably 60% full).
Yep - about $30 is right.Couldn't you have just taken an uber to the airport directly for $30?