[URBAN NOTE] On the advantages of the cheaper Union-Pearson Express

[rfmcdonald]

Today, as blogTO let us know, is the first full day of the Union-Pearson Express' more inexpensive fare structure. The Toronto Star had three of its reporters try three different commuting options, from Jane and Lawrence down to Union Station. Dan Taekema was lucky enough to rid the new line.

It turns out the toughest part of taking the train was deciding what to do with a car.

As Star photographer Bernard Weil and I raced to Weston Station to board the Union Pearson Express (UPX) we hit a snag almost immediately — the parking lot at the station was packed.

After two laps and some mild cursing we managed to squeeze into a tight spot and were back on track.

We bought our tickets at an automated teller and race-walked up the ramp to the station platform only to find we had seven minutes to wait until the next train.

As we stood around, we spoke to passengers and found a combination of first-time users and others who had taken the train infrequently because of the cost.