Something that should be noted is that there is a parallel local service to Heathrow Express called
Heathrow Connect, which costs half the price, and only stops at five intermediate stations, but runs slightly less frequently. There is a fast expensive option, and a cheaper slower option for direct airport rail services.
If UPX is to be overpriced and targeted for the elites, a frequent GO Transit shuttle bus should be offered between Pearson and Malton GO station, and half-hourly, all-day GO train service should be implemented between Union and at least Bramalea.
The real tragedy here is that UPX could have been Toronto's first S-bahn type rail service, if it only had accepted TTC fares for travel inside Toronto, and charged a premium for boarding/exiting at the airport. This was a real missed opportunity, but can still be done if the political will is ever there, or the residents along the line begin demanding it. How will it feel when residents realize they have a frequent train service running through their backyard that they can't afford to use, and have to be satisfied with shitty bus services that really make reaching downtown a mission. I expect a major uproar from the community once the line enters service.
, nice EnviroTO
