Toronto Union Pearson Express | ?m | ?s | Metrolinx | MMM Group Limited

TOareaFan said:
I guess I was not that clear in my "worry about the future" post....of course Hamilton LRT and Hurontario LRT and GO ReR will be more "popular" than UP (assuming you are using popular as a description of ridership...so, yes, more than 2,500/day will use them).....but are they going to be popular enough to reach the ridership targets/goals/expectations that predicated their funding.
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RER is really the only wildcard there, and even now GO has a positive enough ridership trend to justify the expansion. All of those routes are replacing busy bus routes. If there's one thing the Yonge and Bloor subways have taught us, is that replacing a really well used local line with an RT line meets/comes close to meeting/exceeds ridership expectations. Routes where there was no RT before, it's more of a shot in the dark (see: Spadina, UPX).
 
Some more information on ridership

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As of December, 28% of people are riding for free (probably because of their BOGO coupons).

The drop makes sense for Presto since Presto could not be used for the BOGO promo. So people who could have used Presto would now pay cash to save money.
 
Ironically, if ridership is down, but many of those who are riding are paying the $27 fare, the overall finances may not be in bad shape.

Which speaks to just how perverse and obscure the goals of UPE were....if the numbers showed more riders paying a lower fare, would we be happier? Apparently, yes. The original intent that Blue 22 cover its costs morphed into UPE's business model which is covering we-don't-know-what.

I have yet to see these ridership numbers converted to cost recovery. Is UPX subsidised more than the average GO service?

The next ML Board meeting isn't until June. I suspect the Board knows better than to turn up at that meeting saying "So....how is it going?" I'm expecting it will all be over by then.

- Paul
 
LNahid2000 said:
As of December, 28% of people are riding for free (probably because of their BOGO coupons).

The drop makes sense for Presto since Presto could not be used for the BOGO promo. So people who could have used Presto would now pay cash to save money.
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I would not say "as of" December ...rather "in December"...as of suggests a going forward trend...and I think the BOGO thing is a time limited offer...no?

What these numbers tell me is

a) ML may be right...price may not be the issue...because the lower the fare category the lower the percentage of the users
b) this thing may just be more popular with visitors than locals (who would be more likely to have a Presto) (note: Oliver Moore confirmed this seems to be the case in a tweet exchange we have).

So, maybe, ML is right in that awareness raising is the way to go rather than panicking into a massive price restructuring (although I still like the idea of picking up useage slackness and building that awareness by allowing Weston-Bloor-Union trips at regular GO fares of $5.03 (presto only) on a "temporary" basis).
 
TOareaFan said:
I would not say "as of" December ...rather "in December"...as of suggests a going forward trend...and I think the BOGO thing is a time limited offer...no?
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The BOGO promo is over, however, who knows if they'll do more of these promos after everyone rides for free this long weekend.
 
Part of Oliver Moore's tweeting was that the average fare paid since inception is $22.50...that is $3.50 (on average) of volunteered overpayment ....or a total of $1,774,685.50 in fares paid by people on a volunteer basis ;)
 
TOareaFan said:
Part of Oliver Moore's tweeting was that the average fare paid since inception is $22.50...that is $3.50 (on average) of volunteered overpayment ....or a total of $1,774,685.50 in fares paid by people on a volunteer basis ;)
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Did you factor in the $10 fares for airport workers? Or children's fares?
 
So I'm catching up after 2 weeks of vacation. I just have to say that I'm shocked anyone can still defend the current UPX pricing model. At a time of aggressive promotion with BOGO coupons, staff everywhere in Pearson, and the removal of fares for children, the total ridership has still dropped. This means they have significantly over-estimated the percent population within the catchment area that is willing to pay the stated fares. Just "giving the service more time" is a terrible idea given that the ridership trend is unambiguously flat to downward, even neglecting the seasonal increase in traffic and all of the promotions. That being said, I can't understand that anyone thinks that either a $3 TTC fare is reasonably or that this is a realistic commuter option in addition to serving the airport.

Some thoughts on how to fix this:
  • Immediately lower the fares to be more consistent with transit fares to North American airports. Maybe $10 one-way is the right price point for now for Union to Pearson, lower for other destinations. Don't waste time comparing to the London Heathrow Express...Toronto ain't London.
  • Simplify the fare structure. Forget Presto versus non-Presto fares. This has been one of the singularly poor marketing choices. Business travelers don't want to have to buy yet another transit card. What family (especially with children over 13) wants to think about shelling out $6 a person for a card they might not use again. It's simply a ridership impediment for both local travelers and visitors.
  • Contain operating expenses immediately. No company has a division president to oversee this few employees.
  • Metrolinx should release much more transparent numbers to help this planning process in a much more public way. Break out fares paid by Presto/non-Presto, free children fares, ridership to intermediate stations, etc.
 
^I always saw the Presto discount as a "local discount"....ie, what I think they overerestimated was how many people in the Toronto would have Presto by now and how many would view getting a Presto as an "extra step". I honestly think they thought that by now most Toronto transit users would have a Presto and would just, you know, tap on to the $19 fare while visitors would be presented with the choice of paying $27.50 or spending 5 minutes to pay $6 and then pay $19 and whether that 5 minutes was worth the overall $2.50 savings they would see.
 
We should not forget that UPX is an AWARD WINNING SERVICE (really!!):

UP EXPRESS WINS PROJECT OF THE YEAR AND CONCEPT OF THE YEAR AT 2014 GARA AWARDS
May 15, 2014
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For the second-consecutive year, UP Express has been recognized as a leader amongst international air-rail links
On May 15, 2014, UP Express was awarded the distinguished Project of the Year and Concept of the Year awards at the Global AirRail Awards in Oslo, Norway.

The Project of the Year award recognizes the construction and s... ervice vision of UP Express Pearson Station and the 3 km elevated rail line, which links UP Express from the Kitchener Corridor to Toronto Pearson International Airport. This direct airport connection is a defining feature of the service and will offer travelers a seamless connection between downtown and the airport. The thoughtful integration of airport and UP Express operations, services and amenities to meet the unique needs of travelers was viewed as a benchmark which would contribute to the future of air-rail services around the globe.

UP Express was awarded Concept of the Year for the Strategic Partnerships Program. The Strategic Partnerships Program offers leading Canadian brands the opportunity to join forces with the UP Express to deliver a guest experience that is unlike any other in North America. This innovative program is a first of its kind in the Canadian transportation sector and will generate non-fare revenue as well contribute to ridership.

"It’s truly an honour to be recognized by our international peers with these awards,” said Kathy Haley, president, UP Express. “Not only does it speak to the vision, strategy and contribution of the UP Express to the Big Move, but it’s also a testament to the passion and commitment of all individuals across UP Express and Metrolinx."

The new awards add to the universal enthusiasm and interest for UP Express in elevating air-rail transportation on the world stage. This is the second year UP Express won Project of the Year. In 2013 UP Express was recognized for its holistic approach to creating a service that will enable the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area to join the ranks of other leading global financial centres that have rail links connecting downtown to the airport.

Global AirRail Awards are run by the Global AirRail Alliance, an industry organization joining airport, rail operators, airlines and suppliers from around the world. The Global AirRail Awards are dedicated to promoting best practices and excellence in the international air-rail industry. The winners are selected by judges from air and rail industries who are specialists in their field.

Launching next spring, UP Express is one of the key components of The Big Move, the innovative Metrolinx transportation plan for the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area. With a clear focus on providing a stress-free guest experience and convenient access to Toronto’s entertainment and cultural venues, UP Express will help promote the region as a preferred tourist destination and enhance the city’s status as a global economic hub. Read Moreervice vision of UP Express Pearson Station and the 3 km elevated rail line, which links UP Express from the Kitchener Corridor to Toronto Pearson International Airport. This direct airport connection is a defining feature of the service and will offer travelers a seamless connection between downtown and the airport. The thoughtful integration of airport and UP Express operations, services and amenities to meet the unique needs of travelers was viewed as a benchmark which would contribute to the future of air-rail services around the globe.

UP Express was awarded Concept of the Year for the Strategic Partnerships Program. The Strategic Partnerships Program offers leading Canadian brands the opportunity to join forces with the UP Express to deliver a guest experience that is unlike any other in North America. This innovative program is a first of its kind in the Canadian transportation sector and will generate non-fare revenue as well contribute to ridership.

"It’s truly an honour to be recognized by our international peers with these awards,” said Kathy Haley, president, UP Express. “Not only does it speak to the vision, strategy and contribution of the UP Express to the Big Move, but it’s also a testament to the passion and commitment of all individuals across UP Express and Metrolinx."

The new awards add to the universal enthusiasm and interest for UP Express in elevating air-rail transportation on the world stage. This is the second year UP Express won Project of the Year. In 2013 UP Express was recognized for its holistic approach to creating a service that will enable the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area to join the ranks of other leading global financial centres that have rail links connecting downtown to the airport.

Global AirRail Awards are run by the Global AirRail Alliance, an industry organization joining airport, rail operators, airlines and suppliers from around the world. The Global AirRail Awards are dedicated to promoting best practices and excellence in the international air-rail industry. The winners are selected by judges from air and rail industries who are specialists in their field.

Launching next spring, UP Express is one of the key components of The Big Move, the innovative Metrolinx transportation plan for the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area. With a clear focus on providing a stress-free guest experience and convenient access to Toronto’s entertainment and cultural venues, UP Express will help promote the region as a preferred tourist destination and enhance the city’s status as a global economic hub.

Feet of clay and all that!
 
DSC said:
We should not forget that UPX is an AWARD WINNING SERVICE (really!!):
On May 15, 2014, UP Express was awarded the distinguished Project of the Year and Concept of the Year awards at the Global AirRail Awards in Oslo, Norway.
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Oslo, huh? That's an interesting case study for UPE to examine.

Oslo has a successful UPE-like serviceto Oslo Airport. It's named Flytoget and costs 180 Krone ($29) using a tap-on, tap-off smartcard, with an extra 20 Kr surcharge if you buy a paper ticket at the counter.

http://www.flytoget.no/flytoget_eng/Travel-information/Tickets-and-fares

The ridership is considerable.

http://www.railjournal.com/index.ph...oslo-airport-express-as-demand-takes-off.html

Flytoget shares the right of way with the conventional Norwegian rail services, which stop at the very same station (unlike the Pearson Spur, the through rail line runs right through the airport).

The conventional Norwegian Rail fare is 92 Krone - only $15 - and almost as fast. You can buy tickets on line.

https://www.nsb.no/en/our-destinations/airport-by-train

The value of UPE winning an award for something that hadn't begun service is pretty telling. We should recognize results, not flights of fancy.

- Paul
 
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