properly consulted. The airport workers don't agree with this assessment. We
meet with Metrolinx on Thursday December 4 to talk about the fare issue, but
basic information that would help us have a fruitful and useful conversation
was not provided. Information not shared included: the cost of operating the
train, the fare price Metrolinx is considering, and more. It is not possible
to have a genuine negotiation unless useful information is shared.
Tuesday, November 25, 2014
OPEN LETTER TO METROLINX
I am writing to express my views and concerns and those of my constituents
relating to the fares that are to be set for the UP Express when it
commences operation in 2015.
First and foremost, a “fare standard” is needed from Metrolinx that can
explain and justify fares. I believe this is the right time for Metrolinx to
develop such a standard, keeping in mind the different users of the UP
Express. I note that to date, with the exception of airport workers,
Metrolinx has not engaged in any meaningful and transparent consultation
with the public. Metrolinx has
held public consultation on closing small streets during construction of the
UP Express, therefore it should look for additional ways to engage the
public on something so important as a fare that affects hundreds of
thousands of transit users.
In the absence of public consultation information from Metrolinx, I would
draw your attention to an August, 2014 Forum Research poll that gauged
likely public use of the UP Express in relation to different fare levels.
The poll found that with a fare of $10 dollars for a one-way trip, 62
percent of those polled said they were likely/somewhat likely to use the
service. At a fare of $20.00, likely ridership dropped by half with only 31
percent saying they were likely/somewhat likely to use the service. At a
fare of $30.00, likely ridership plummeted to a mere 12 percent who said
they were likely/somewhat likely to use the service.
Although the UP Express’ original purpose was a destination rail to connect
Toronto’s Union Station to the Pearson International Airport, it is safe to
say that the project has evolved to be much more than simply that. The UP
Express now includes planned stops in Weston and Bloor West between.
I am encouraged by the recent comments from the CEO of Metrolinx who has
indicated that other stops are planned along the rail corridor: "We’re
protecting for a station at Mount Dennis to connect up with the Eglinton
Crosstown and we’re protecting for a station at Woodbine as well." (Toronto Star, November 5, 2014.) Surely the purpose of all these
stops is so local residents can use and benefit from the rail service. To
date we only read in media reports vague references from Metrolinx relating
to the fee, estimated to be between $20 and $30 dollars.
To reiterate, the fare should reflect the fact that the UP Express is a
publicly owned service, built and paid for with public tax dollars. With
that in mind, the fare should reflect the following considerations:
1. Different fare schedules for seniors and students, typical of fare
policies relating to other public transit services
2. Pro-rated fares for commuters accessing the services at stops, including
Weston and Bloor West and future stops along the rail corridor
3. The capacity to utilize the PRESTO swipe card system to ensure the UP
Express is integrated with the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC).
The UP Express is being built in time for the Pan Am Games but it will last
decades beyond next year’s event. I believe we have to think long-term about
how the UP Express fits into overall transit and how it will help to reduce
congestion. We need to ensure it benefits both people using the airport and
local commuting residents.
Looking back on the history of the Air Rail Link, now UP Express, the
service has changed substantially from its initial plan to be a high speed,
private train, exclusively for airport customers with no apparent concern
for the communities surrounding it. Since initial planning in 2002, the UP
Express is a much improved service which has the potential to benefit local
communities and residents. Evidence of this can be seen in new developments
coming near the Weston station which advertise the UP Express as a benefit
to purchase property in the area.
The Provincial Government is funding over $19 billion worth of transit
expansion and improvement projects, which are already underway, including
investments in York South-Weston for the Eglinton-Crosstown, Go Transit and
the UP Express.
Now is the time to seize the potential of the UP Express to serve multiple
transit demands and the greater good.
Sincerely,
Laura Albanese, MPP
York South-Weston
Cc; Hon. Steven Del Duca, Minister of Transportation