Yes, finding UP at T1 is a bit annoying, especially it's only at one-end (not in the middle), same place as T1-T3 train

They need better/BIGGER direction signs, but I'm sure they all know that already

So I've taken the UP 4 times since it opened. Agree with PP's comments about lack of signs - but once you've done it, it's really easy. Certainly that doesn't help the first time user.

I like it and will take it again except for
- early morning cross boarder flights at 7 am where the 5.30 departure time would be cutting it too close, and cab is the faster option at that hour with no traffic
- late night arrivals when traffic is not an issue, I have luggage and convenience is more important, also with more than one person traveling

It's a great option when
- leaving from the office as I can walk to Union instead of sitting 20 min+ in the cab just to get to the Gardiner
- peak traffic hours in general
- bad weather
- with little luggage in combination with the TTC to get home
- with more more luggage in combination with a 12$ cab ride to/from home

What has repeatedly annoyed me is the attitude of the cab drivers. I get that it sucks for them that they don't get the 60$ rides any longer. However, this shouldn't be the passenger's problem.

One time when I got off at Union, two other cabbies were offloading zone and they were yelling at each other. It was difficult for me to get out and through with my luggage. I'm a passenger and don't care about their drama, so didn't appreciate being put in the middle of this.

Three times when I arrived at Union and went to Front Street to catch a cab, they were all lined up, but lots of cabs sitting empty. Every time, there was a discussion with various drivers until I finally found someone who was willing to take me. Of course I understand that it sucks if you wait a long time and then get a trip that's just over 10$ - I would nevertheless think that this will be true for most travelers. People with a 25$+ cab fare from Union will not bother with the UP/cab combination but take a cab right away unless maybe in peak traffic hours. One guy even yelled at me and another tourist woman who wanted to go to a nearby hotel. Great way to greet visitors - not.

Honestly, way too much yelling for my taste. I don't have yelling in neither my private nor my working life and I don't want to deal with cabbies who can't behave.
Probably next time I will just walk a bit further and stop a passing cab on the street to avoid this altogether, but passengers really shouldn't have to do this.

Then, if you don't want to pay with cash, you get sighs. None of this nonsense is suitable for (out of town) business travelers who I believe make up a significant share of the target group. Especially the expense type people will insist on charging to their Corporate card and beware if that's an Amex one.

Venturing O/T, but this is exactly why Uber is killing the cab industry. I would just summon an UberX to pick up at the York Teamway entrance (i.e. by the Goodlife directly below UPX) and skip the whole nonsense with the cabbies on Front St.

Not really O/T as being able to connect hassle-free to a cab is part of the UPX experience IMHO.

That's a good idea, will give Uber a try next time, thanks!

Another option is to find a cab company you like and call them when you are 10 minutes out, and arrange for them to pick you up. I refuse to deal with the cabs that line the streets around the downtown core, after I received attitude about short distances / credit cards / moaning about accepting cab chits / cabs that smell / are in bad condition etc. I now call a car of my choosing, and have it pull up at the front of the line. The others don't like it, and I've seen attitude towards the cabbie, but that way I know I am getting a safe, comfortable car, and they won't give me attitude.

I am not an Uber convert and I like to support the decent cab drivers in TO

Please share whom it is you call and how to reach them.

Interesting article on the UPX here:

I used to take the Downtown Express to the Chelsea Hotel and get a cab to Yorkville (~$7.50 + tip). Fortunately, the ride from Union Station only ends up being a few dollars more (~$11 + tip). So taking the UPExpress may still make sense for me.

Do the trains have overhead bins for carryon bags similar to Via Rail?

sort of (not as open - they have a closing door) but they have luggage storage areas like the HKG express.

the signs are the least of the problems with the UP Express
 

OK, the UP Express needs more than signs. As suggested, it only operates from T1 i.e. if you arrive in T-3, you need to 1st take the train over to T1 (adds min 10 minutes). Today, the UP "Express" counter at T3 was closed and the train was operating on its maint schedule i.e. every 10-15 minutes!

These booklets are being phased out. In all of Vancouver.

How often is there no staff checking if passengers purchased a ticket? If I had planned to have purchased the ticket on the train (thus pay $2 fee), I could've actually saved money.

Hi,

I read that Presto card is the most economical way to take UP Express and I can get it at Pearson.

Can I pay by Credit Card or strictly CAD only?

Credit cards are accepted. There will be a $6 non-refundable fee for issuing the card in addition to whatever value is loaded on.

I recently used the UP Express on a business trip to Toronto and will use it from now on since I stay in the area (usually One King West).

Really low ridership both ways especially after arriving at T1 on AC154 just before midnight. I purchased my ticket on the flight for $27.50 and no one checked for it on the train.

Bought my return at Union at the desk for the same price. Ticket did get checked.

Since a Presto Card is only good for the UP and the GO Trains (not TTC:rolleyes:) I couldn't be bothered to get one in the future even if it is apparently only $19 a trip.

Signage to get the train in Union Station proper is very poor but I now know that it is accessed on a pedway to the SE corner of York and Front.