Sunday, February 14, 2016

“Free ride" Sets Record Rider Numbers to Metrolinx Union Pearson Express in Toronto

Metrolinx officials say “a free ride” drew more than 10,000 people to try out the ailing Union Pearson Express on Saturday.

The train which links the downtown core with Pearson airport has had trouble meeting ridership expectations since it’s launch in June of last year.

As expected, the freebies set records for ridership, since the start of the promotion on Friday. It’s believed that somewhere around 40% of the takers were likely air travelers, the rest commuters and others just trying the service out.

In it’s first seven months of service, the $456-million UPX has struggled to catch on with riders, many pointing to the 27.50 one way ticket price as the reason for passing.

The first few weeks after it’s launch last spring, Metrolix revealed the service was averaging about 3,250 riders, lower than the projected 5,000 riders per day.

The provincial transit agency has said it would consider re-pricing the one way fare to attract more customers.

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