Union Pearson Express

Improved transit connections to Pearson Airport had been of interest since the late 1980s. Before pursuing the airport rail link, three formal studies were conducted, in 1989, 1990 and 1991. The last two presented options for either making a connection from the GO Georgetown (later extended and renamed Kitchener) train line or the Toronto Transit Commission's Bloor–Danforth line (since renamed "Line 2 Bloor–Danforth").{{cite web |date=30 July 2009 |title=Environmental Project Report – Georgetown South Service Expansion and Union-Pearson Rail Link |publisher=Metrolinx |location=Toronto |url=http://www.gotransit.com/gts/en/docs/finalEPR/Final_EPR.pdf |access-date=7 August 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120407020544/http://www.gotransit.com/gts/en/docs/finalEPR/Final_EPR.pdf |archive-date=7 April 2012}}

File:Qualicum Beach Station 3.jpg would have used refurbished Budd Rail Diesel Cars. Pictured are two cars used by Via Rail.]]

Transport Canada made a request for proposal for an airport rail link in April 2001. In May 2003, the bidding parties were shortlisted to four consortia, who were invited to submit business cases. On 13 November 2003, the Union Pearson AirLink Group, a subsidiary of SNC-Lavalin, was selected to finance, design, construct, operate and maintain an airport rail link.{{cite press release |title=Transport Minister Announces Winning Proposal for Toronto Air-Rail Link |publisher=Transport Canada |location=Ottawa |url=http://news.gc.ca/web/article-eng.do?crtr.sj1D=&mthd=advSrch&crtr.mnthndVl=&nid=79449&crtr.dpt1D=&crtr.tp1D=&crtr.lc1D=&crtr.yrStrtVl=&crtr.kw=weston&crtr.dyStrtVl=&crtr.aud1D=&crtr.mnthStrtVl=&crtr.yrndVl=&crtr.dyndVl= |date=13 November 2003 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130101052542/http://news.gc.ca/web/article-eng.do?crtr.sj1D=&mthd=advSrch&crtr.mnthndVl=&nid=79449&crtr.dpt1D=&crtr.tp1D=&crtr.lc1D=&crtr.yrStrtVl=&crtr.kw=weston&crtr.dyStrtVl=&crtr.aud1D=&crtr.mnthStrtVl=&crtr.yrndVl=&crtr.dyndVl= |archive-date=1 January 2013 |url-status=dead |access-date=30 November 2011}} The service was to be called Blue22, as a trip would take 22 minutes to or from Pearson with a stop at the Bloor GO Station (within walking distance of the Dundas West Toronto Transit Commission station). Trains were to be refurbished Budd Rail Diesel Cars and were expected to begin running between 2008 and 2010.{{cite web |url=http://www.westoncommunitycoalition.ca/Nov%202003%20Selection%20of%20SNC%20and%20Backgrounder.pdf |title=Backgrounder 2 – Union Pearson Airlink Group's Blue22 Service |publisher=Transport Canada |date=13 November 2003 |access-date=8 August 2011 |archive-date=26 April 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120426062916/http://www.westoncommunitycoalition.ca/Nov%202003%20Selection%20of%20SNC%20and%20Backgrounder.pdf |url-status=dead }}

File:Georgetown GO Train Eastbound.jpg

By 2008, there had not been significant progress on the project because of failed consensus in negotiations, regulatory hurdles and community opposition. In June 2008, the Ontario government revised the environmental assessment process from a required three-year period to six months, and later that summer it resumed negotiations with Union Pearson AirLink Group on terms for a public-private partnership. Furthermore, the high-speed link received public statements of strong support from Premier of Ontario Dalton McGuinty, Toronto Mayor David Miller and the federal government.{{cite news |first=Theresa |last=Boyle |title=High-speed rail link to airport on fast track |newspaper=The Toronto Star |location=Toronto |date=5 August 2008 |url=https://www.thestar.com/article/472255 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121012090501/http://www.thestar.com/article/472255 |archive-date=12 October 2012 |url-status=live |access-date=1 August 2011}}

In November 2008, Metrolinx, the Ontario government agency for Greater Toronto and Hamilton transportation, released its regional transportation plan titled The Big Move, outlining how an airport rail link was part of a strategy to establish multi-directional high-order transit connectivity to the Pearson Airport district, in addition to the Mississauga Transitway, rapid transit corridors along Highways 427 and 407, and light rail transit lines along Eglinton and Finch Avenues. In December 2008, Metrolinx became the proponent of new EA that would simultaneously assess a combination of both the UP Express and GO Transit's Georgetown South expansion.{{Cite news |url=http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/December2008/15/c9988.html |title=Metrolinx is new proponent of Georgetown Line |work=CNW Newswire |date=15 December 2008 |access-date=29 April 2010}} The final Environmental Project Report was released on 30 July 2009.

After two years of failed negotiations and financing difficulties, the public-private partnership between Ontario and the Union Pearson AirLink Group was called off in July 2010, and Metrolinx was handed responsibility to directly own and operate the service.{{Cite news |first=Tess |last=Kalinowski |title=Province vows rapid rail link to Pearson by 2015 Pan Ams |newspaper=The Toronto Star |location=Toronto |date=31 July 2010 |url=https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/transportation/article/842240--province-vows-rapid-rail-link-to-pearson-by-2015-pan-ams |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121024200841/http://www.thestar.com/news/gta/transportation/article/842240--province-vows-rapid-rail-link-to-pearson-by-2015-pan-ams |archive-date=24 October 2012 |url-status=live |access-date=8 August 2011}}{{Cite news |url=http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/July2010/30/c7540.html/15/c9988.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130101233722/http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/July2010/30/c7540.html/15/c9988.html |archive-date=1 January 2013 |title=Metrolinx to build, own and operate Air Rail Link |work=CNW Newswire |date=30 July 2010 |access-date=8 August 2011}} Metrolinx established the new operating division that would become Union Pearson Express.{{cite web |title=Air Rail Link Service:Pearson to Union |publisher=Metrolinx |location=Toronto |url=http://www.metrolinx.com/en/docs/pdf/board_agenda/6-AirRailLinkUpdateFINAL.pdf |date=16 November 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111221091106/http://www.gotransit.com/gts/en/project/arl.aspx |archive-date=21 December 2011 |url-status=live |access-date=30 November 2011}} Until November 2012, when the official name was announced, the name "Air Rail Link" was used as a placeholder name; "UPX" was an occasionally used acronym.

Metrolinx largely preserved the same project scope as had been approved in the environmental assessment, with the service designed for air travellers rather than for conventional commuters. Changes from SNC Lavalin's former proposal included refinements to take into account synergies with GO Transit. Metrolinx engaged Sumitomo Corporation of America to supply Diesel Multiple Units (DMUs) for the line.{{cite web |title=Clean Train Coalition Inc. v. Metrolinx, 2012 ONSC 6593 |author=Ontario Superior Court |url=http://www.canlii.org/en/on/onscdc/doc/2012/2012onsc6593/2012onsc6593.html |date=21 November 2012 |access-date=3 December 2012}} Kathy Haley was named the first president of the division in July 2011.{{cite web |title=Key Dates |publisher=Union Pearson Express |location=Toronto |url=http://upexpress.com/en/information/information.aspx#keyDates |access-date=3 December 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121203035829/http://www.upexpress.com/en/information/information.aspx#keyDates |archive-date=3 December 2012}}

File:UPE Union Station construction A.JPG beside Union Station in downtown Toronto.]]

In October 2011, the consortium AirLinx Transit Partners was selected to complete building the UP Express. The consortium was made up of some of Canada's largest construction companies such as Aecon and Dufferin Construction.{{Cite news |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/toronto-s-airport-rail-link-to-be-built-by-consortium-1.1058095 |title=Toronto's airport rail link to be built by consortium |work=CBC News |date=24 October 2011 |access-date=7 December 2011}} Construction on the spur line and passenger station at Pearson airport began in the spring of 2012, at a cost of $128.6{{nbsp}}million.{{cite web |url=http://www.infrastructureontario.ca/WorkArea/DownloadAsset.aspx?id=2147488681 |title=Financial Close Reached on Three-Kilometre Air Rail Link "Spur Line" and New Passenger station Project |access-date=19 December 2011 |date=19 December 2011 |publisher=Government of Ontario}}{{Cite news |first=Rob |last=Ferguson |title=Construction to start in spring on airport rail link |newspaper=The Toronto Star |location=Toronto |date=19 December 2011 |url=https://www.thestar.com/news/canada/politics/article/1104270--construction-to-start-in-spring-on-airport-rail-link |access-date=7 March 2012}} At the time, the entire project was expected to cost $456{{nbsp}}million.

Undertaken as part of the Georgetown South Project, the work consisted of five new road overpasses and two road underpasses, one railway grade separation, one bridge reconstruction and the widening of 15 other bridges, construction or re-construction of four stations, major track and grading construction, signal installations utility relocations, as well as the new {{Convert|3.3|km||adj=on}} elevated spur to and from the airport. The work was conducted while minimizing disruption to existing train operations, local residents and businesses. A new rail tunnel under Highway 401 was still required at a later date to meet future ridership demands.{{cite web |url=http://www.gotransit.com/gts/en/project/default.aspx |title=Georgetown South Project - Project |publisher=GO Transit |access-date=23 April 2015}} Construction of tunnels for two tracks began in July 2019 and is expected to be completed in late 2021.{{cite news |url=https://news.ontario.ca/mto/en/2019/07/construction-begins-for-highways-401-and-409-go-transit-rail-tunnels.html |title=Construction Begins for Highways 401 and 409 GO Transit Rail Tunnels |date=25 July 2019 |access-date=13 May 2021}}

Service began on 6 June 2015, operated by the Union Pearson Express division of Metrolinx. With an adult one-way fare of $27.50 cash or $19.00 with a Presto card, the service was criticized for being the most expensive airport rail link service in North America. Amid public concern, fares were drastically reduced on 9 March 2016 to $12.00 cash and $9.00 with a Presto card.{{cite news |url=https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2016/02/23/upx-to-slash-fare-by-more-than-half.html |title=UPX to slash fare by more than half |last1=Kalinowski |first1=Tess |first2=Robert |last2=Benzie |date=23 February 2016 |work=Toronto Star |access-date=23 February 2016}} The change also introduced GO pricing between Bloor, Weston, and Union stations. President Kathy Haley, who was heading up the project, stepped down on 31 March 2016, in a shakeup of the ranks that resulted in changes to the line's management approach.{{Cite news |first=Moore |last=Oliver |title=Union Pearson Express head to be removed from role |newspaper=The Globe and Mail |location=Toronto |date=2 March 2016 |url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/toronto/head-of-struggling-airport-train-to-be-moved-from-role/article29003930/ |access-date=9 May 2016}}

In 2017, the Discounted Double Fare program was introduced, which offered UP Express and GO Transit customers a discount of $1.50 when transferring to or from the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC), equal to a 50 percent reduction of the $3.00 TTC cash fare at the time. The arrangement ended in March 2020 when the Government of Ontario terminated funding for the program.{{Cite web|url=https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2020/01/21/go-ttc-discount-fares-to-end-as-province-pulls-the-plug-on-funding.html|title = GO-TTC discount fares to end as Ontario pulls the plug on funding| website=Toronto Star |date = 21 January 2020}}

On 20 April 2019, monthly capping of fares was silently discontinued,{{cn|date=July 2022}} resulting in an effective fare increase of 10 to 15 per cent for regular commuters, while single fares did not change. Metrolinx continues to offer a monthly pass for airport employees.

File:ARL route map.png

Union Pearson Express operates daily between 4:55{{nbsp}}am and 11:00{{nbsp}}pm every 15 minutes, making approximately 68 trips per day.{{Cite web |title=Union Station {{!}} UP Express |url=https://www.upexpress.com/SchedulesStations/UnionStation |access-date=14 February 2023 |website=www.upexpress.com}}

File:GorewayDriveUPTrackway.jpg in Mississauga]] From Union Station, the UP Express heads northwest along the existing GO Transit Kitchener line. This {{Convert|22|km|mi|abbr=off|adj=on}} section of track between Bathurst Street and Highway 427 was upgraded as part of GO's Georgetown South Project, which improved infrastructure along the route to accommodate the UP Express, GO Transit, Canadian National, and Via Rail services. The UP Express makes two intermediate stops at Bloor and Weston GO stations. Bloor Station was redesigned for better access and connection to GO Transit, and Metrolinx is working towards a future direct connection to the Dundas West subway station.{{cite web |url=http://www.metrolinx.com/en/projectsandprograms/airraillink/air_rail_link.aspx |title=Air Rail Link |publisher=Metrolinx |access-date=7 March 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120225054620/http://www.metrolinx.com/en/projectsandprograms/airraillink/air_rail_link.aspx |archive-date=25 February 2012 |url-status=dead }}{{cite web |title=GO Transit Bloor GO Station Construction Update |url=http://goweb02.gotransit.com/gts/en/project/bloor_station.aspx |publisher=Go Transit |access-date=9 March 2014}}

Beyond Highway 427, a newly constructed {{Convert|3.3|km|mi|abbr=on}} rail spur carries the UP Express from the Kitchener line to the airport, forming the longest elevated rail line in Ontario.{{cite web |title=UP and Coming - UP Express: Operational Readiness Update |publisher=Metrolinx |location=Toronto |url=http://www.metrolinx.com/en/docs/pdf/board_agenda/20150303/20150303_BoardMtg_UP_Express_Readiness_EN.pdf |date=March 2015 |access-date=4 March 2015}}{{cite web |title=Georgetown South Project – Ail Rail Link |publisher=GO Transit |location=Toronto |url=http://www.gotransit.com/gts/en/project/arl.aspx |date=30 November 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111221091106/http://www.gotransit.com/gts/en/project/arl.aspx |archive-date=21 December 2011 |url-status=dead |access-date=30 November 2011}} The elevated spur to Pearson Airport reaches a maximum height of {{Convert|28|m|ft|abbr=off}}, offering a view of the Downtown Toronto and Mississauga City Centre skylines.{{cite news |last=Kalinowski |first=Tess |title=UPX offers 'clean' train ride with a view |url=https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/transportation/2015/03/09/upx-offers-clean-train-ride-with-a-view.html |access-date=9 March 2015 |newspaper=The Toronto Star |date=9 March 2015}} At Pearson, the UP Express arrives at Terminal 1, where riders can transfer to the airport's Terminal Link people mover to connect with Terminal 3 and the Viscount parking garage.

File:UP Union Station platform.jpg

At Toronto Union Station, UP Express operates from a dedicated platform in the station's west wing along the SkyWalk. The platform is fully enclosed and features a waiting area, a guest services desk, café, gift shop, and lounge.[http://www.upexpress.com/en/project/stations.aspx Union Pearson Express: The Project - Stations] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131023140350/http://www.upexpress.com/en/project/stations.aspx |date=23 October 2013 }}

At Bloor and Weston stations, UP Express operates from dedicated high-level platforms adjacent to the GO Transit Kitchener line low-level platforms.

An infill station at Mount Dennis, featuring a connection with the under-construction Line 5 Eglinton, is scheduled to open in 2024.{{cite web |url=http://www.insidetoronto.com/news-story/5182247-union-pearson-express-fares-to-be-announced-as-planned-metrolinx-tells-coalition/ |title=Union Pearson Express fares to be announced, as planned, Metrolinx tells coalition |website=Insidetoronto.com |date=4 December 2014 |access-date=12 May 2016}}

File:Union Pearson Express DMU 1010.JPG

The Union Pearson Express uses Nippon Sharyo DMU trains. The fleet consists of 18 diesel multiple unit (DMU) cars, as four three-car and three two-car sets.{{cite web |url=http://upexpress.com/en/project/vehicles.aspx |title=The Vehicles |publisher=Union Pearson Express |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121203062359/http://www.upexpress.com/en/project/vehicles.aspx |archive-date=3 December 2012}} Initially, on 1 March 2011, Metrolinx announced that it had chosen to buy 12 DMU cars (six two-car trains) from Nippon Sharyo at a cost of $53{{nbsp}}million, for the service.{{cite web |url=http://www.railwaygazette.com/index.php?id=44&no_cache=1&tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=12892&cHash=8edad53ca2 |title=Metrolinx orders DMUs to work airport rail link |access-date=1 March 2011 |date=1 March 2011 |work=Railway Gazette |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121001215232/http://www.railwaygazette.com/index.php?id=44&no_cache=1&tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=12892&cHash=8edad53ca2 |url-status=dead |archive-date=1 October 2012}} This was later expanded to 18 DMU cars (adding one car to each train via an option order).{{clarification needed|reason=Last two sentences implies a fleet of six three car trains. Sentence before that says four three car trains plus three two car trains. Cannot both be correct.|date=August 2021}} This brought the cost to {{USD|75}}{{nbsp}}million.{{cite web |url=http://www.metrolinx.com/en/projectsandprograms/upexpress/upexpress.aspx |title=The UPE Project |publisher=Metrolinx |access-date=16 January 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130122152735/http://www.metrolinx.com/en/projectsandprograms/upexpress/upexpress.aspx |archive-date=22 January 2013}} The DMUs were manufactured in Japan, assembled in Nippon Sharyo's facility in Rochelle, Illinois, and towed by rail to Toronto, with the first trainset arriving on 15 August 2014.{{cite news |url=http://www.railjournal.com/index.php/north-america/toronto-airport-express-trains-arrive-in-canada.html?channel=542 |title=Toronto airport express trains arrive in Canada |work=Railway Journal |first=Stephen C. |last=Host |date=15 August 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140928235614/http://www.railjournal.com/index.php/north-america/toronto-airport-express-trains-arrive-in-canada.html?channel=542 |archive-date=28 September 2014 |url-status=live |access-date=16 August 2014 |quote=THE FIRST two of 18 DMU cars being supplied by Sumitomo to Toronto transport authority Metrolinx for use on the Union Pearson Express (UP Express) airport rail link have arrived in Canada.}}{{cite web |url=http://www.upexpress.com/AboutUP/Announcements |access-date=16 February 2016 |title=NEWS AND MEDIA - 2014 August |publisher=Union Pearson Express}}

File:Interior View of Union Pearson Express.jpg

The trainsets seat between 115 and 173 people. On-board features include power outlets, Wi-Fi, luggage facilities, and washrooms.{{cite web |url=http://urbantoronto.ca/news/2015/05/urbantoronto-rides-union-pearson-express |title=UrbanToronto Rides the Union Pearson Express |date=26 May 2015 |work=Urban Toronto |access-date=26 May 2015}}

The UP Express DMUs are based on the design created for the Sonoma–Marin Area Rail Transit system in California. Powered by a diesel hydraulic drive with a six-speed automatic transmission and regenerative braking, the DMUs are believed to be the first trains in the world that comply with the United States Environmental Protection Agency Tier 4 emission standards, which will reduce emissions up to 90%. Braking energy is converted into electricity by the auxiliary power generator, and helps to provide onboard lighting and heating.{{cite web |url=http://www2.sonomamarintrain.org/userfiles/file/Vehicles%20-Draft%20DMU%20Technical%20Specification%201-20-10.pdf |title=SMART Technical Specification for Diesel Multiple Units |date=20 January 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140606215154/http://www2.sonomamarintrain.org/userfiles/file/Vehicles%20-Draft%20DMU%20Technical%20Specification%201-20-10.pdf |archive-date=6 June 2014}} They also comply with FRA Tier 1 crash energy management features. Modifications for UP Express use include enclosed overhead luggage bins that comply with Transport Canada rules and an enhanced enclosed luggage tower.

The Tier 4 engines produce substantially lower emissions than most other diesel vehicles in Toronto.{{cite web |url=http://www.gotransit.com/gts/en/faqs/default.aspx |title=Georgetown South Project FAQ's, 'GO Transit' |access-date=1 September 2012}} The Environmental Impact Assessment for the UP Express of 2009 was carried out assuming that trains would be Tier 3 standard rather than Tier 4, and showed that at peak frequency the air quality effect of the additional trains would not raise any pollution level above the provincial criterion levels.{{cite web |url=http://www.gotransit.com/gts/en/docs/finalEPR/Report-Air_Quality_Assessment.pdf |title=AIR QUALITY ASSESSMENT GEORGETOWN SOUTH SERVICE EXPANSION & UNION PEARSON RAIL LINK TORONTO, ONTARIO, RWDI Consulting Engineers & Scientists' |date=July 2009 |access-date=1 September 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150704015632/http://www.gotransit.com/gts/en/docs/finalEPR/Report-Air_Quality_Assessment.pdf |archive-date=4 July 2015}} The 2010 Metrolinx electrification study, which did assume the use of Tier 4 emissions technologies for diesel propulsion options, found that the Georgetown–UP Express diesel service would contribute on the order of 0.2% to local air pollution, and that electrification would result in only a small improvement to local air quality.{{cite web |url=http://www.gotransit.com/electrification/en/current_study/Appendix%20Files/Appendix%209.pdf |title=Appendix 9, Multiple Category Evaluation - Findings and Conclusions, Metrolinx |date=December 2010 |access-date=1 September 2012}} In an additional review of human health assessment in 2011, GO Transit examined the current plan for Tier 4 emission controls on both the UP Express trains and conversion of existing GO locomotives to Tier 4 and found that the human health risks of the diesel UP Express service are negligible, but that current background air quality (from other pollution sources in Toronto) is an issue.{{cite web |url=http://www.gotransit.com/gts/en/docs/20110602_HHA_Executive_Summary_EN.pdf |title=Georgetown South Project Additional Review of Human Health Assessment – Executive Summary |publisher=GO Transit |date=2 June 2011 |access-date=2 September 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150704033343/http://www.gotransit.com/gts/en/docs/20110602_HHA_Executive_Summary_EN.pdf |archive-date=4 July 2015}}

File:Terminal1Station.jpg]]

Fares are based on age, origin and destination, and the method of payment (children ages 12 and under can ride UP Express for free year-round). Discounts are available for families, round trips, and airport staff.{{cite web |url=http://www.upexpress.com/en/docs/Union_Pearson_Express_Fare_Fact_Sheet_EN.pdf |title=UP EXPRESS: FARE STRUCTURE AT A GLANCE |publisher=Metrolinx |access-date=22 April 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150606082719/https://www.upexpress.com/en/docs/Union_Pearson_Express_Fare_Fact_Sheet_EN.pdf |archive-date=6 June 2015}} As with other GO Transit lines, integrated train tickets can be purchased through Via Rail to railway stations across Canada.{{cite web |url=http://www.viarail.ca/en/travel-info/transport-services/intermodality/upexpress |title=Union Pearson Express |date=3 November 2014 |website=VIA Rail}} Upon launch, one-way fares on the UP Express between were $27.50, or $19 with a Presto card. By 19 June 2015, the Union Pearson Express was averaging about 3,250 riders a day, or 12 percent capacity.{{cite news |last=Yuen |first=Jenny |url=http://www.torontosun.com/2015/07/17/tourists-not-taking-to-union-pearson-express-during-pan-am-games-transit-group |title=Tourists not taking to Union-Pearson Express during Pan Am Games: Transit group |newspaper=Toronto Sun |date=17 July 2015 |access-date=12 May 2016}} Metrolinx has projected that a year after opening, the service will attract 5,000 riders a day — about 1{{nbsp}}million customers. By 2020, Metrolinx expects about 2.46{{nbsp}}million rides per year will bring it up to full operating cost recovery.{{cite news |url=https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/transportation/2015/06/24/union-pearson-express-hits-ridership-targets-but-can-be-tough-to-find-survey-of-riders-finds.html |title=Union Pearson Express hits ridership targets but can be tough to find, survey of riders finds |newspaper=Toronto Star |date=24 June 2015 |access-date=25 June 2015}}

The UP Express uses an honour-based proof-of-purchase system, in which customers must carry a pre-purchased UPX ticket or tapped-in Presto card, contactless credit or debit card, or mobile wallet while on board the train(s); these fare media must be presented for inspection upon request. Failure to do so can result in a fine.

However, ridership declined in the service's opening months. Ridership in August 2015 was 17 percent lower than in June 2015 and a further 4 percent lower in the first two weeks of September. Ridership ended up averaging 2,300 per day during a four-week period in September 2015, a drop of 29 percent since June. The service needed about 7,000 riders per day to break even on operating costs.{{cite news |url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/toronto/metrolinxs-reputation-on-the-line-with-poor-figures-for-pearson-express-train/article26552266/ |title=Metrolinx's reputation on the line with poor figures for Pearson express train |newspaper=Globe and Mail |first=Oliver |last=Moore |date=26 September 2015 |access-date=26 September 2015}} A report in February 2016 showed a drop in monthly ridership from the summer to 65,593 rides (just over 2,100 per day) in November 2015. This led Metrolinx to start considering price adjustments to boost ridership numbers.{{Cite news |title=Ridership has dropped since the Union Pearson Express launched in June, the latest numbers show. |url=https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/transportation/2016/02/05/metrolinx-reconsidering-union-pearson-express-fares-as-ridership-sinks.html |newspaper=The Toronto Star |date=5 February 2016 |access-date=8 February 2016 |issn=0319-0781 |first=Tess |last=Kalinowski}}

By January 2016, average ridership slumped further to 1,967 passengers per day.{{Cite news |url=http://torontoist.com/2016/10/ridership-is-up-on-torontos-airport-rail-link/ |title=Ridership Has Tripled on Toronto's Union Pearson Express |last=Torontoist |date=18 October 2016 |work=Torontoist |access-date=19 April 2017}} Fares were reduced on 9 March 2016 to $12 for a one-way trip between Union and Pearson, or $9 with a Presto card. On the first day of reduced fares, staff counted 5,300 boardings with 40 per cent of the riders being first-time UPX users, 83 per cent being air travelers and 17 per cent being commuters.{{cite news |url=https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/transportation/2016/03/17/union-pearson-express-ridership-spikes-after-fare-reduction.html |title=Union Pearson Express ridership spikes after fare reduction |newspaper=Toronto Star |first=Tess |last=Kalinowski |date=17 March 2016 |access-date=17 March 2016}} By June 2016, the daily average ridership had risen to 7,657, and a new record was set on 29 July, when the service carried more than 11,000 passengers.{{cite news |last1=Marshall |first1=Sean |title=Ridership Has Tripled on Toronto's Union Pearson Express |url=http://torontoist.com/2016/10/ridership-is-up-on-torontos-airport-rail-link/ |work=Torontoist |date=18 October 2016}} However, the fare reduction has lowered the total revenue collected by the UP Express, which is expected to be below what is required for its operating costs.{{cite news |url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/toronto/upx-cant-break-even-at-lower-fare-report-finds/article29657207/ |title=Union Pearson Express can't break even at lower fare, report finds |newspaper=Globe and Mail |first=Oliver |last=Moore |date=17 April 2016 |access-date=10 February 2017}}{{Cite web |url=https://www.thestar.com/news/city_hall/2017/05/25/union-pearson-express-ridership-up-but-still-heavily-subsidized.html |title=Union Pearson Express ridership up, but still heavily subsidized |newspaper=Toronto Star |date=25 May 2017 |access-date=27 May 2017}} It was revealed that since opening day to March 2016, the UP Express' provincial operating subsidy totaled $39.3{{nbsp}}million or about $52.26 per ride.{{Cite web |url=https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2016/06/30/annual-report-shows-upx-was-subsidized-by-province.html |title=UPX airport train subsidized $52 per ride last year |newspaper=Toronto Star |date=30 June 2016 |access-date=27 May 2017}}

In July 2018, the most recent month for which ridership data is available, the UP Express carried approximately 356,000 passengers.{{Cite web |last=Spurr |first=Ben|date=2018-08-22 |title=Despite record ridership, how much it costs to operate Union Pearson Express remains a secret |url=https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/despite-record-ridership-how-much-it-costs-to-operate-union-pearson-express-remains-a-secret/article_7c396ac8-624d-58ae-8f10-3b8de1b322e4.html |access-date=2023-10-26 |website=Toronto Star |language=en}} From July to September 2022, the UP Express carried approximately 719,000 passengers.{{Cite web |last=Gallagher |first=Martin |title=Operations Quarterly Report |url=https://assets.metrolinx.com/image/upload/v1670778723/Documents/Metrolinx/20221201_BoardMtg_Operations-GO_UP_Quarterly.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230518003538/https://assets.metrolinx.com/image/upload/v1670778723/Documents/Metrolinx/20221201_BoardMtg_Operations-GO_UP_Quarterly.pdf |archive-date=18 May 2023 |access-date=26 October 2023 |website=Metrolinx}}

On 11 March 2021, UP Express became the first transit agency in the Greater Toronto Area to launch the new Presto open payment system. Riders have the option to tap on and off using a credit card (Visa, Mastercard or American Express), Interac debit card or a mobile device (mobile phone or watch) on a PRESTO fare device, instead of tapping a Presto card.{{cite news |url=https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2021/03/10/metrolinx-to-start-testing-credit-card-tap-on-up-express-presto-readers-this-week.html |title=Metrolinx to start testing credit card tap on UP Express Presto readers this week |newspaper=Toronto Star |first=Ben |last=Spurr |date=10 March 2021 |access-date=11 March 2021}}{{cite web |url=https://www.contactless.prestocard.ca/en |title=Testing new ways to pay with PRESTO |publisher=Metrolinx |access-date=11 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210312004649/https://www.contactless.prestocard.ca/en | archive-date=12 March 2021 }}

Residents living along the Weston section of the route have objected to alterations to accommodate the GO Georgetown South corridor improvements and the addition of UP Express trains. Concerns include the division of Weston from the closing of level crossings, noise levels, air quality and property values. In April 2009, the Clean Train Coalition (CTC), representing the communities along the rail corridor, formed to put pressure on Metrolinx and the province to immediately prioritize electrification of the densely populated Georgetown South corridor and Union-Pearson Rail Link on opening day.[http://cleantrain.ca/press_elecstudy.php "Backgrounder – Position Statement", Clean Train Coalition, 3 June 2009] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110706173010/http://cleantrain.ca/press_elecstudy.php |date=6 July 2011 }} However, both the province and Metrolinx Chairman Rob Prichard have indicated that using diesel trains is the only way to prevent significant delays. "We believe the Greater Toronto Area needs this project as fast as possible, and that means going with the cleanest diesel technology in the world," stated Prichard.

In August 2012, the CTC took legal action against Metrolinx by submitting an application for judicial review. The application requested "quashing and setting aside any decision to implement or run Diesel Multiple Units along the Air Rail Link", on the basis that by taking direction from the Ontario government to complete the UP Express in time for the Pan American Games, a proper analysis between operating diesel and electric trains was not completed, running contrary to Metrolinx's legislated mandate. It also asserted that another review of air quality was warranted due to the World Health Organization's (WHO) reclassification of diesel exhaust as a carcinogen.

Saba Ahmad, the lawyer representing the CTC, described the application as a test of whether government agencies must obey their own legislation. On 21 November 2012, the Ontario Divisional Court turned down the application, and ordered the CTC to pay $30,000 in court costs.{{cite news |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/court-clears-way-for-diesel-trains-on-new-pearson-route-1.1295314 |work=CBC News |title=Court clears way for diesel trains on new Pearson route |date=21 November 2012 |access-date=22 November 2012}}

{{Main|Toronto Pearson International Airport#Bus}}

File:Union Pearson Express.JPG

The Toronto Transit Commission offers a frequent express bus route, the 900 Airport Express, between Kipling station and Pearson. Buses depart every 10 minutes or less, and a trip from downtown to Pearson Airport takes 45 minutes for the cost of a TTC fare.{{cite web |url=https://www.ttc.ca/riding-the-ttc/Service-to-the-airport/Toronto-Pearson-International-Airport |title=Service to Toronto Pearson International Airport |publisher=Toronto Transit Commission |access-date=18 January 2023}}{{cite web |url=https://www.ttc.ca/routes-and-schedules#/900/0 |title=900 Airport Rocket |publisher=Toronto Transit Commission |access-date=18 January 2023}}

From 1993 until 2014, the Toronto Airport Express was a privately operated airport bus service from the airport to downtown Toronto operated by Pacific Western Transportation. The route was founded by Gray Coach in 1979.{{cite web |title=Fares |url=http://www.torontoairportexpress.com/fares.php |work=Toronto Airport Express |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111201064935/http://www.torontoairportexpress.com/ |archive-date=1 December 2011 |url-status=live |year=2011}} As of 2012, a "One Ride Scheduled Service" to or from downtown Toronto cost $26.95 and a "One Ride On-Demand Airport Express Connect" fare cost $29.95. A one-way trip took approximately 45 to 90 minutes, depending on traffic. The service ceased operation on 31 October 2014 due to declining ridership, the popularity of the Billy Bishop Airport on Toronto Island, delays due to downtown road construction, and anticipated competition from the Union Pearson Express.{{cite news |title=Toronto Airport Express bus to stop service this fall |url=https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2014/06/14/toronto_airport_express_bus_to_stop_service_this_fall.html |access-date=14 June 2014 |work=Toronto Star |date=14 June 2014}}

Other public transit bus services{{Snd}}operated by GO Transit, MiWay, and Brampton Transit{{Snd}}connect Pearson Airport to Toronto and other cities in the Greater Toronto Area.{{cite web |url=http://www.torontopearson.com/en/toandfrom/public/# |title=Public Transportation |publisher=Toronto Pearson Airport |access-date=3 January 2013}}

{{as of|2019}}, Metrolinx is planning a major upgrade to the Union Pearson Express to better integrate it into the GO Transit rail network and to double the frequency of trains to the airport. {{as of|2019|09}}, planning work was in its early stages and no plans had been finalized. The proposal includes:{{cite news |url=https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2019/09/24/up-express-to-undergo-major-overhaul-that-could-include-station-renovations-new-trains.html |title=Metrolinx planning major overhaul of UP Express that could include station renovations, new trains |newspaper=Toronto Star |first=Ben |last=Spurr |date=24 September 2019 |access-date=15 October 2019}}{{cite news |url=https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2019/09/25/metrolinx-plans-up-express-overhaul-but-says-80-million-bridge-wont-be-part-of-it.html |title=Metrolinx plans UP Express overhaul but says $80{{nbsp}}million bridge won't be part of it |newspaper=Toronto Star |first=Ben |last=Spurr |date=25 September 2019 |access-date=15 October 2019}}

• Replacement of the existing diesel trainsets with electric trains that could also be used elsewhere in the GO Transit network once parts of that network are electrified.
• Relocation of the Union Station platform for UP Express from the west wing of Union Station to the middle of the train shed south of the station's Great Hall.
• Elimination of high platform areas at GO stations along the route, with UP Express trains using the same platforms as regular GO trains.

According to the planning document dated 22 February 2019, it is uncertain whether the UP Express infrastructure at airport Terminal 1 can be modified to accommodate electrified GO trains. There were no cost estimates for infrastructure changes.

{{Reflist}}

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• {{Official website|https://www.upexpress.com/}}
• {{YouTube|yjdPGC8T5Rs|"Union Pearson Express 2020 – Toronto's Air Rail Link"}}, RMTransit, 8 March 2020

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Toronto

Category:Passenger rail transport in Toronto

Category:Metrolinx

Category:Toronto Pearson International Airport

Category:The Big Move projects

Category:Railway lines opened in 2015

Category:2015 establishments in Ontario