PropWasher

Why am I not surprised?

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/...ticle26500231/

PropWasher

No you didn't.

Cloudship

Where can you get a Presto card? You can't order them online if you are not in Canada.

JamilD

Filling these trains to capacity is not their goal, nor should it be.

And I disagree with a lot of what the article says; for someone coming to Toronto for the first time, I'd rather them be greeted by friendly people in retro uniforms, and a beautiful terminal facade, than a shaky, loud TTC bus.

mkjr

exactly. nothing says welcome like a red rocket or as many experience, the M60 at LGA... ;-)

Cloudship

No, but I would also not want to be greeted by a train one can't find, for a price that is exorbitant. If there was another supporting infrastructure besides taxis and an bus you have to figure out connections for, maybe it would qualify as a more expensive but convenient option.

PropWasher

In other words, screw the tax payer, let them eat cake, I'm alright Jack.

Where is this " beautiful terminal facade"?

cdn1

saw last week GO operating shuttle buses, was the UPX down?
perfect weather yet the trains manage to screw up. Saw people confused and scrambling to get to the buses, since signage is terrible at YYZ

eigenvector

Stupidly, it is not available at YYZ. You would have to get it at Union Station, and of course you would need to ride UPX to get there. A mail forwarding service is probably the best option if you need it in advance of arrival. It's silly of them not to offer an international mailing service like TfL does with the Oyster card.

willryu

Where does the poster or the article ever state that filling these trains to capacity was the goal?

The post points to an article and simply states the trains are running 90% empty. I'm guessing this is currently disappointing to those involved with the project, but times are early just as they quote Del Duca.

mkjr

Once you understand the YYZ mindset that they want to take the UPE but pay TTC prices and understand that many have debt up to their eyeballs, you will understand why it is not used by a good chunk of people.

grandgourmand

I'm on it right now (330pm) and it's at least half full

There you have it, anecdotal data for the day.

I tell you, sure more pleasant than bring stuck in a cab stressing about catching my flight

PropWasher

Or both cars are at least half empty. Who gets "stuck in a cab" stressing?

Cloudship

So, just took UP from the airport downtown. Some observations/tips:

There is a UP ticket counter at the airport. Directions are useless, it is on (I think it is the) second level, but far from where you come out. Had to ask for directions 3 times.

You know you have a problem with access when they have to hand you a brochure with directions from the ticket counter to the train!

Remember you have to tap your Presto card before you get on the train, and after you get off. Even worse, there are two trains sitting there and you have to ask which one is going.

It was actually pretty busy - this was around 3:30 or so. Everyone had a seat but there were no empty rows, ans some people had to sit together. Which is very hard with narrow seats and luggage. Bad design.

I will say it was clean and fast and smooth.

Good luck finding your way to the subway, and there are no maps or anythig around telling you where you need to go! That was a big mess.

But I made it here. Now to find dinner..

mkjr

Constructive. Pm me if you want to meet up for a brewski. I'm 8 minute walk from the platform.