dob467
Active Member
This might be in another thread that I missed, but where is the Uniqlo going? I assume it'll be a fair sized store. I'm curious how it fits within the new Union and whether additional large brands might set up shop.
Northern Light
Superstar
The former Decathalon space. Not a large store for them.
Civdis
Active Member
Interesting, thanks for that! I thought it might also provide flexibility for adding and modifying conduit and other infrastructure below the tracks.
MG X
New Member
After arriving on the UPX the other day with a large piece of luggage, I tried to grab a cab in front of Union Station. What a disaster! I approached 4 different cabbies, but no one was willing to take me to Bloor and Church unless I paid a $25-30 flat fee. When I asked if they had a meter they just turned away. I refused, of course, but what the heck is going on? Why is the city allowing the city's central hub to be turned into a tourist ripoff site? No wonder everyone uses Uber now. The taxi industry is cutting its own throat while the city dithers over security barriers!
generalcanada
Senior Member
Awhile ago i saw ads on taxis that advertise their uber app to call a taxi
honestly at this point if youre going in dry to a taxi stand you are litterally trying to get ripped off
This aint the 90s anymore.
Mihairokov
Active Member
They're trying to rip off tourists who don't know where they're going. I've had cabbies turn me down in a similar way to you when I've tried to go elsewhere in the core with luggage. My rule of thumb is generally if someone is approaching you trying to get you in their car they're not really to be trusted, and the guys who loiter outside of Union fill that type.
When arriving at UPX, go down from the station and grab an Uber in that little alley with the staircases below. I think there's an elevator? Easier than going on Front in front of Union.
PL1
Senior Member
You can report taxis to the city (i.e. 311) as they are not allowed to refuse fares, or give a fixed rate unless negotiated in advance.
From the City taxi website:
Unfortunately, that likely requires at least the taxi number or driver number
Edit: I have reported drivers/cabs in the past. I hardly ever take cabs, and I hate taking rideshares, though I do from time to time when I'm with family
nightstreak
Active Member
The taxi drivers in front of Union are hounds. I've seen them arguing and getting into shoving matches for a fare. It's disgusting.
Exactly this. I don't take cabs often but when my broken foot was in a cast, I needed to get around by taxi and I don't generally want to support Uber so I'd just hail a cab. My appointments and work were often a 10 minute cab ride so I routinely got denied. I started reporting them and it was easy to get evidence because it happened so predictably.
Each time, in speaking with bylaw officers, while they couldn't tell me what happened to the cabbie ("for privacy reasons"), there was a strong insinuation that they were fined. After repetitive infractions, a driver will lose their taxi license. If this happens to you, be ruthless, the word will get around and they'll start behaving.
kev1n1m
Active Member
While I hate the way Uber/Lyft treat the local industries, I've always hated taxis more. Would have been a photo of license plates and a report to the city if that happened to me.
evandyk
Senior Member
Welcome to the club....
Union Station Revitalization | ?m | ?s | City of Toronto | NORR
A cinnamon bun shop designed by Kramer. "Levels." Seinfeld
That was, in fact, the last time I took a taxi, and I have no intention of trying again.
Dr. Snoot
Active Member
The taxi industry has been providing terrible service with no innovation for decades. That's why when Uber came to town the taxi industry garnered little sympathy, even though they were deeply affected.
I don't take Uber -- American and they have no respect for the law.
Lyft played by the rules, but is still an American company.
These days, I would suggest Hopp (European, recent entry but rapidly expanding) or Hovr (Canadian, but still a limited number of drivers).
isaidso
Senior Member
I've had a good experience with taxis, but admittedly, have only used one 3-4 times the last few years and phoned for one to come to my house each time. Like you, I don't do the USA any more. No Uber, no Amazon, no Netflix, no Home Depot, no Coca Cola, etc. I still have an iPhone and MacBook but both will get switched out for Samsung. Elbows Up Canada!
Thanks for the tip regarding Hopp! I'm always on the search for Canadian-European-Asian options. I'll pass it on.
Thanks for the tip regarding Hopp! I'm always on the search for Canadian-European-Asian options. I'll pass it on.
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Dan416
Senior Member
Hopp is just the North American branding for Bolt, btw.
mburrrrr
Senior Member
I think these 5 colourful barriers were moved recently. It looks like they marked out some new rectangles.
Today.
Today.
nightstreak
Active Member
They move these constantly, notably in your picture leaving a gap large enough for a car to drive through, but somehow still in the way of crowds of pedestrians. It was always just security theatre all along. The only move I want to see is the jersey barriers on a flatbed truck and taken away.