[PL1]

Makes a lot of sense! Only one station needs rebuilding, which is Pearson. Unions UP terminal is already going to be abandoned, and the raised portion can just be removed from the other 3 stations as easily as they were installed.

Maybe at Pearson when they build the new station at Viscount (which is apparently the plan) it can be low floor. Then they don't need to close the UP express for an extended rebuild of the existing T1 Pearson station. Something like this (red would be new line from existing UP tracks at right to Viscount APM station)

 

[drum118]

Makes a lot of sense! Only one station needs rebuilding, which is Pearson. Unions UP terminal is already going to be abandoned, and the raised portion can just be removed from the other 3 stations as easily as they were installed.

Transitioning to low floor also allows UP to stop at additional stations once it’s electrified, without any additional infrastructure.
King-Liberty, St. Clair-Old Weston, and 1 additional station along the corridor are all potential stopping locations for UP post-electrification.

As said above the UP Express is becoming more or fully integrated with GO, which includes potentially interlining it with a service in the east, this can only be done with low floor trains.

Bloor cannot be remove due to the fact that it is the main entrance off Bloor and future subway connection.

Not a simple removal for Weston and UP will have to use the existing GO platforms while it being remove. This is for 2 platforms for Bloor and Weston. Eglinton that has yet to see service will be in the same boat for removal also, but not as bad as Weston.

 

[WB62]

Bloor cannot be remove due to the fact that it is the main entrance off Bloor and future subway connection.

So just remove it from service… like it can also act as just a walkway it doesn’t have to also be a platform.

UP will have to use the existing GO platforms while it being remove.

And the problem is? If the plans are still happening UP will transition to low floor trains, this can literally be done after the transition when no train will be using the high level platforms anymore.

 

[drum118]

The general idea seemed to be that UPX would become more integrated with the GO system, with "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", and "Elimination of high platform areas at GO stations along the route, with UP Express trains using the same platforms as regular GO trains."

Union Pearson Express - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

UPX was supposed to be electrify by 2019 and here we are almost 6 years later still talking about electrifying the corridor as well replacing the exist fleet as plan. The existing fleet isn't worth the funds to convert them from DMU to EM and it has been noted by ML in the past that the fleet will be replace. What every replace the existing fleet needs to be at least a 3 car set.

So just remove it from service… like it can also act as just a walkway it doesn’t have to also be a platform.


And the problem is? If the plans are still happening UP will transition to low floor trains, this can literally be done after the transition when no train will be using the high level platforms anymore.

Bloor can have railing install for the existing platform, Eglinton can be block off easy. Weston is tie into the walkway bridge and can have railing install for the platform for the westside and the other one block off. At some future date, platforms will require up keeping and will it be worth it to fix them or remove them??

 

[crs1026]

I'm not sure what the need to remove the high platform is?

Assuming electrification does proceed, UP is a good candidate to go early, and that may lead to new higher capacity rolling stock that might allow retention of the higher platform.

We do want to see higher platforms throughout GO some day, correct? Why take a step backwards?

- Paul

 

[nfitz]

We do want to see higher platforms throughout GO some day, correct?

Some of us are pretty non-concerned about the issue, and are merely bored by it. For me, it's kind of like the weird heated debates you see in some other forums about putting hydro lines on hydro poles.

 

[Edward Skira]

Celebrating a decade of UP Express

North America's first dedicated express air-rail link turns 10.

www.metrolinx.com

 

[christiesplits]

Celebrating a decade of UP Express

North America's first dedicated express air-rail link turns 10.

www.metrolinx.com

Wow, can't believe it's been a decade.

One thing that's apparent after looking at the press and marketing rollout of the launch in 2015 is how it went from a "premium service" to just a "normal service."

The hip upstairs Union lounge/restaurant is gone. The monthly magazine in the seat compartment is gone. Oh, and the fare prices were slashed dramatically.

All in all, I think the UP has been a success, and is a gamechanger to travel from the downtown to the airport, especially with how much worse traffic is a decade later.

 

[PL1]

Wow, can't believe it's been a decade.

One thing that's apparent after looking at the press and marketing rollout of the launch in 2015 is how it went from a "premium service" to just a "normal service."

The hip upstairs Union lounge/restaurant is gone. The monthly magazine in the seat compartment is gone. Oh, and the fare prices were slashed dramatically.

All in all, I think the UP has been a success, and is a gamechanger to travel from the downtown to the airport, especially with how much worse traffic is a decade later.

I think they could raise the fare somewhat to exclude many of the commuters, but they are part of why it's so successful

 

[christiesplits]

I think they could raise the fare somewhat to exclude many of the commuters, but they are part of why it's so successful

Absolutely. I know several people from the west end who use it to commute downtown, and I've seen condo listings using proximity to the UP as a draw.

Happy to see that even with the "downgrade" to a commuter-based service, they kept the plug and USB outlets functional. If only the GO Transit train outlets were as reliable.

 

[rdaner]

I am a regular user of UPX and love it! Add GO service and the imminent opening of Mt. Dennis Station and this is a heaven sent addition to getting around. And as an aside the crowding is only going to increase as developments begin opening as many GO trains are also standing room only late into the night.

 

[gabe]

I think they could raise the fare somewhat to exclude many of the commuters, but they are part of why it's so successful

That would be horrible. Doesn't matter if they are commuters or non commuters or tourists or unemployed or employed, everyone should have access to affordable transit. Less cars we have on the roads, the better!

 

[PL1]

That would be horrible. Doesn't matter if they are commuters or non commuters or tourists or unemployed or employed, everyone should have access to affordable transit. Less cars we have on the roads, the better!

If/when we get more frequent GO service then they *could* start increasing fares on UP. But I tend to agree with you

 

[nfitz]

If/when we get more frequent GO service then they *could* start increasing fares on UP. But I tend to agree with you

If passengers are not getting a train at Union to get to the airport, then fare are too cheap. The should charge all northbound trips the full fare to Pearson.

 

[Bordercollie]

Do they need to overhaul the fleet given that they are ten years old now?