12-10-2014, 11:09 PM
I don't see the issue with the fares. It's a premium express service, and as a result fares have been set high enough to recover not just operating but capital costs too. That actually makes it not a publicly funded service. If you don't mind taking an hour you can still pay $3 to ride the TTC, or $5 for a GO bus. Looking at other major cities it's not uncommon to have both a cheap local service and an expensive express service. Compared to the Heathrow express service the UPX is actually pretty cheap (Heathrow costs $38 one way, and that's the cheapest fare).
Sure, we could set cheaper fares and subsidize the UPX like other public transit, but then it would have to stand on its own merits as a public transit service and I'm not sure it'd do so well. The public transit solution will be getting the Eglinton crosstown out to the airport, and in the future other LRT connections.
I've seen some tweets today saying airport employees can ride for $10/trip, or get a pass for $300/month. Apparently employee parking at either terminal is $250/month (but can be cheaper in a far away "value lot") so it's actually pretty competitive with driving.
Sure, we could set cheaper fares and subsidize the UPX like other public transit, but then it would have to stand on its own merits as a public transit service and I'm not sure it'd do so well. The public transit solution will be getting the Eglinton crosstown out to the airport, and in the future other LRT connections.
(12-10-2014, 10:45 PM)KevinL Wrote: The one issue I had heard about previously but don't believe was addressed today, was whether the service will be affordable for airport workers. I had hear musings from the government that passes or other fare structures were being looked into but I don't think anything further came today.
I've seen some tweets today saying airport employees can ride for $10/trip, or get a pass for $300/month. Apparently employee parking at either terminal is $250/month (but can be cheaper in a far away "value lot") so it's actually pretty competitive with driving.