I had heard a friend mention how he had used the service to check out the Ripley's Aquarium one weekend with his wife and kid, and how he was impressed.
Having recently moved to Brampton, I figured it may be worth a shot. I wasn't disappointed.
Having recently moved to Brampton, I figured it may be worth a shot. I wasn't disappointed.
The service runs every 15 minutes, and a one-way trip to Union Station is about 25 minutes. The station there is in the "Skywalk" at Union, which is a short walk over to Rogers Centre.
It is a relaxing ride, with some decent views along the way, particularly for plane enthusiasts in the area of the airport:
The ride itself is comfortable, with the train's features resembling an aircraft (fold-down trays, overhead compartments, etc.). Here's a look at the interior:
Aside from its convenient location, there's one other interesting factoid --- it's actually cheaper than GO Transit for those within "transit distance" of Pearson Airport.
Here's a quick break-down of the cost in comparison to GO Transit. I'm assuming in these instances that the individual would take transit to either the GO stop or the Airport (or driving to the airport, which would be cheaper for a family than cash transit fares):
It is a relaxing ride, with some decent views along the way, particularly for plane enthusiasts in the area of the airport:
The ride itself is comfortable, with the train's features resembling an aircraft (fold-down trays, overhead compartments, etc.). Here's a look at the interior:
Aside from its convenient location, there's one other interesting factoid --- it's actually cheaper than GO Transit for those within "transit distance" of Pearson Airport.
Here's a quick break-down of the cost in comparison to GO Transit. I'm assuming in these instances that the individual would take transit to either the GO stop or the Airport (or driving to the airport, which would be cheaper for a family than cash transit fares):
GO Cost - Single
Day Pass (from Brampton): $17
Transit Cash Fare: $3.75 x 2 ways = $7.50
GO Cost - Family of Four
Day Passes (from Brampton): $51
Transit Cash Fares: $15 x 2 ways = $30
(Value Park Lot at Pearson Daily Max: $18)
(Value Park Lot at Pearson Daily Max: $18)
UP Express Cost - Single
Long Layover (7 Hours Round-Trip): $12
Transit Cash Fare: $3.75 x 2 ways = $7.50
UP Express Cost - Family
Long Layover Family Pass: $25
Transit Cash Fares: $15 x 2 ways = $30
(FYI - Value Park Lot at Pearson Daily Max: $18)
The key note is that you need to purchase a paper ticket (don't scan your Presto Card!) "long layover" fare, which expires 7 hours from your trip's start time.
Also of note - this ticket is not available at the vending machine. It needs to be purchased (via credit card) from an attendant.
You can also buy this ticket online in advance, or through the UP Express smartphone app.
It seems like it has been catching on a bit for Jays (and Raptors fans) -- the game I attended was also the day of the Raps last regular season game, and the train was "fairly full"on the way back to Pearson.
(FYI - Value Park Lot at Pearson Daily Max: $18)
The key note is that you need to purchase a paper ticket (don't scan your Presto Card!) "long layover" fare, which expires 7 hours from your trip's start time.
Also of note - this ticket is not available at the vending machine. It needs to be purchased (via credit card) from an attendant.
You can also buy this ticket online in advance, or through the UP Express smartphone app.
It seems like it has been catching on a bit for Jays (and Raptors fans) -- the game I attended was also the day of the Raps last regular season game, and the train was "fairly full"on the way back to Pearson.
A quick Twitterverse scan from the game a couple days later concurred:
Good to see a respectable lineup for @UPexpress after the @BlueJays game tn. perhaps a niche market has been found?— Ron Pearson (@ronacpearson) April 15, 2016
So, it's a valid option and, if you're taking transit, allows you to imbibe with a couple of beers at the game without having to worry.
Naturally, there's probably a ways to go before this is a preferred mode of transport, especially for families, who could argue that the cost (including parking) would still be a bit too high.
Perhaps some of the Airport area bars and restaurants could take a page out of what happens in Milwaukee, where many bars and restaurants run "shuttles" to the stadium (in this case, the Aiport-area bars/restaurants could run their shuttle to the UP Express, and allow those to park in their lot).
Anyways, I'll surely update this post with more information, especially if/when I take it next. In the meantime, feel free to connect with me on Twitter (@markyolkowski) or comment below if you would like to add any details that I've missed.
Naturally, there's probably a ways to go before this is a preferred mode of transport, especially for families, who could argue that the cost (including parking) would still be a bit too high.
Perhaps some of the Airport area bars and restaurants could take a page out of what happens in Milwaukee, where many bars and restaurants run "shuttles" to the stadium (in this case, the Aiport-area bars/restaurants could run their shuttle to the UP Express, and allow those to park in their lot).
Anyways, I'll surely update this post with more information, especially if/when I take it next. In the meantime, feel free to connect with me on Twitter (@markyolkowski) or comment below if you would like to add any details that I've missed.
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