According to CBC News, Metrolinx reported that the new rail line will transport passengers from Union Station in the downtown area to Pearson Airport in 25 minutes and will make departures ever 15 minutes during airport hours. A one-way fare will cost $27.50 or $19 with a multi-transit system PRESTO card,a smart-card fare payment system currently in place.
In a press conference at the Pearson Airport, Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynn called the new transportation service “an investment that used to be more common in Ontario.” and that the “days of under-spending on infrastructure in Ontario are over.” The arrival of the Union Pearson Express is considered to be on budget.
Metrolinx was able to use many kilometres of existing rail tracks, however a 3-kilometre span needed to be built to the airport according to Daryl Barnett, vice-president of network infrastructure for Metrolinx.
The new trains have been undergoing significant tests for the past few months to prepare for the June 6 maiden voyage. It is estimated that the new service will take over one million cars off the road in the first year of operation and will carry almost 2.5 million passengers a day by 2018.
